SLR May 2026 Edition

+ BRILLIANT IN BARMULLOCH

Girish’s Costcutter relaunches

LOTTO SHAKE-UP

Two new games unveiled FIFA WORLD CUP

Get ready to net some top-class sales

ELECTION CONFECTION

What are the politicians offering to sweeten retailers ahead of the Scottish election?

NEWS

04 Scottish Election Trade associations raise concerns over SNP plans to cap prices of essential foods.

05 Crime Police Scotland launches an online reporting form for incidents of shop theft.

06 Crime Glasgow retailer left fuming at “pathetic” police response to drive-off.

07 Services Allwyn announces two new National Lottery games as part of a major shake-up.

08 News Extra Living Wage The University of Stirling and SGF shine a light on the real business cost to Scottish retailers of minimum wage hikes.

16 Product News Oreo has a new challenge for shoppers and Coca-Cola partners with the Commonwealth Games.

18 Off-Trade News Tennent’s launches Tops while CCEP unveils Absolut Vodka & Sprite Pineapple.

INSIDE BUSINESS

20 Two Minutes Of Your Time Douglas Liddell The ShopMate Sales Manager explains how retailers can harness EPoS to better their business.

22 SLR Awards The shortlist has been unveiled and the in-store judging is already underway as we continue the search for this year’s local retailing stars.

25 Deposit Return Scheme Smaller stores eligible for £6,000 reverse vending machine grants, under new Exchange For Change plans.

26 Store Refit Girish’s Costcutter A look inside Glasgow retailer Girish Jeeva’s revamped and relaunched store.

28 Vape Retailing March’s devastating fire in Glasgow raised major concerns around the safety of vape shops, leading to multiple calls for action.

30 Hotlines The latest new products and media campaigns.

50 Under The Counter Equi’s launch of four ice cream flavours into Tesco stores sends a shiver of dread down the Auld Boy’s spine.

FEATURES

32 Fifa World Cup Get ready to net some top sales this summer with a winning range of products and pack sizes.

34 Sports & Energy An endless stream of flavour launches and marketing investment means Sports & Energy Drinks sales are set to surge this summer.

40 Smoking Alternatives Educating consumers on different smoking alternatives can unlock sales growth.

44 Breakfast Offering healthier, convenient options for weekdays and indulgent delights for the weekend will help retailers win the breakfast occasion.

New Premier for Restalrig Restalrig Service Station in Edinburgh, which features a Jet forecourt and new Premier store, has opened its doors following a six-month closure and major redevelopment.

Former Hibernian FC legend, Pat Stanton, was on hand to cut the ribbon. He was joined by site operator Rajan Sood of RJ Fuels, his son Kiran Sood, daughterin-law Sophie Ahern, and Paul Yates, Jet Retail Account Manager at Phillips 66.

ACS to be more powerful voice

The ACS has pledged to be a stronger voice for local shops to government. The group will focus its campaigning on the rising cost of trading; retail crime and community safety; and rogue traders.

BoE greenlights British wildlife notes

Images of the UK’s wildlife are to feature on the next series of banknotes following a public consultation run by the Bank of England (BoE). Marking a shift away from historical figures, the consultation saw over 60% of respondents select ‘Nature’ as their preferred theme, with ‘wildlife native to the UK’ emerging as the most popular choice. The Bank of England also confirmed that the updated notes will incorporate enhanced anti-counterfeiting features.

Usdaw slams Kemi Badenoch

Retail trade union Usdaw has slated the UK Tory leader Kemi Badenoch for suggesting that staff and customers should confront a shoplifter if they were “not too big”. Joanne Thomas, Usdaw General Secretary commented: “Usdaw and retail employers are absolutely clear that the staff are far more valuable than the stock and our clear advice to retail workers is not to put yourself in danger. So, we utterly condemn the Conservative ‘have a go if you think you’re big enough’ policy.”

Industry flags concerns over SNP price capping proposal

ImagecourtesyofJackLeeonUnsplash

e Scottish National Party’s (SNP’s) election promise to cap prices on essential foods sold in large supermarkets has been dubbed a “wrongheaded 1970s gimmick” by the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), while the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) claimed that the policy could create a competitive disadvantage for small local stores and potentially distort the market.

e SNP manifesto has pledged to establish statutory price ceilings on a basket of 20 to 50 essential food items at large supermarkets. e system would require the outlets to make one example line of the listed essential food items available at the capped price.

Luke McGarty, SGF Head of Policy, said: “Capped prices in supermarkets could encourage customers to travel further to out-of-town locations for staple goods

ELECTION

typically purchased locally, reducing sustainability and creating a competitive disadvantage for small local businesses.”

He added: “At a time when local retailers are already under considerable pressure from additional costs added by government regulation and global issues, some may feel compelled to try and match supermarket prices, which could threaten both their viability and the bene ts they provide.”

Ewan MacDonald-Russell, SRC Deputy Head, commented: “Supermarkets have always run on very slim margins… but pro ts have fallen signi cantly in recent times. Even so, retailers continue to invest heavily to keep prices down, expand their a ordable food ranges, lock in the price of many essentials, and raise pay for sta .

“Many of the costs keeping shop prices high are now arising from the muddle of new regulations and taxes coming from government policies. Rather than recreating 1970s-style price controls and potty gimmicks, public policy should get serious and focus on cutting retailers’ costs so that resources can be directed to keeping prices as low as possible for customers.”

For further information on the Scottish election manifestos, see p12.

Local retailers meet with Scottish Parliament candidate

Levenhall Village Store owner, Ferhan Ashiq, met Jeremy Balfour, the former MSP for Lothian Region and a candidate for Edinburgh & Lothians East in the forthcoming May Scottish election, at his shop in Musselburgh, East Lothian, earlier this month. Edinburgh retailer Uthay Soundararajan, who is The Federation of Independent Retailers’ (The Fed’s) new Scottish President, was also in attendance.

Balfour has served in the Scottish Parliament for the past decade, first as a Conservative before deciding to leave the party last year and serve as an Independent.

Ferhan highlighted the need for action to be taken on theft – including a more robust response from Police Scotland and targeted grants for small shops so that they can take measures to protect their shops from theft.

He also spoke about the challenges caused by rising taxation and called for extra protection from rising government and commercial costs, such as business rates and the spectre of rising energy bills following the war in Iran.

Nook & Scranny guesthouse and c-store wows

A former newsagent in Tarbert on the Isle of Harris has been transformed into Nook & Scranny – a guesthouse and convenience store specialising in freshly prepared food.

Owners Graham Kay and Laura Burt, who is a chef by trade, purchased the business last July, and recently secured a £25,000 loan from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme via Virgin StartUp, which funded renovations and a new kitchen. is enabled the store to introduce a ‘chef’s counter’ o ering freshly prepared sandwiches, take-home meals, such as Buddha bowls, pastries and breads, and Laura’s homemade ice cream.

Local customer, Davie, said: “It is a lovely wee place and the scran on o er at their deli counter is outstanding.”

Police Scotland launches online theft reporting form

Retailers across Scotland can report incidents of shop the more easily via a dedicated online reporting form. e new form is designed to make it simpler and less time consuming for retailers to report shop the , while also reducing non-urgent, lower risk demand on Police Scotland’s call handling centres to support priority policing responses.

e country-wide roll out follows a successful pilot in Greater Glasgow Division, which was utilised by 18 retailers across more than 1,000 stores. During the pilot, timescales for creation of a crime report number have reduced from the required 72-hour period to frequent same day processing. In addition, a link to Police Scotland’s Digital Evidence Sharing Capability

Q-COMMERCE

Snappy Shopper service expands

Daniall

Nadeem

(DESC) system is provided once a crime report number is generated, enabling retailers to upload their CCTV footage immediately and allowing investigations to commence far quicker.

e retailer online reporting form for crimes of ‘the by shopli ing’ can only be used in instances where the o ender has le the store and where there is no associated threat, harm, risk or vulnerability. If there is another o ence, in addition to the by shopli ing, such as assault of a retail worker or vandalism, other reporting methods such as 101 or 999, in an emergency, should be used.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: “We recognise that the continued rise in retail o ences

buys sixth vehicle as home delivery soars

In what he described as “a major milestone”, Spar Motherwell Road owner Daniall Nadeem has purchased a sixth home delivery vehicle to keep pace with his fast-growing Snappy Shopper operation.

e store’s delivery service, which o ers over 4,500 products and delivers to over 1,500 customers a week, has recently expanded its 24-hour delivery radius to include Coatbridge, alongside Motherwell, Bellshill and Uddingston. In addition, savvy Daniall has increased the shop’s post10pm delivery radius to include orders from Airdrie, Blantyre, Hamilton and Wishaw.

“Since January 2020, our focus has been on building a reliable and sustainable home delivery service for our local community and beyond,” said Daniall. “It’s been some journey — and one we’re really proud of.” He called the purchase of his latest vehicle, which is fully covered in Spar branding thanks to Shore Wraps, “a fantastic achievement and a re ection of the hard work from everyone involved”.

Daniall also thanked his customers for their ongoing support. “Every order, every recommendation, and every bit of loyalty has helped us grow to this point – and we couldn’t have done it without you,” he told them.

e shop’s delivery service has rocketed at an astounding rate; at this time last year, Daniall had just purchased his second delivery vehicle.

across the country requires a strong policing response, however, many crimes are reported a er an incident has occurred, meaning that priority must be given to answering and resourcing calls where there is a more urgent risk to public safety.”

He added: “Retailer feedback to date is positive, with many reporting that completion of the online form is easier than reporting via phone call or ContactUs [online form].”

Police Scotland is now working to improve the form’s usability.

WEBINAR RCTF to run Teams meetings for small and indie retailers

The Retail Crime Taskforce (RCTF) has announced it will hold a quarterly webinar via Microsoft Teams especially for small and independent retailers.

During the forum, Taskforce officers will offer retail crime prevention advice; guidance on dealing with confrontation; and updates on work being carried out by RCTF.

Retailers will also have the opportunity to ask questions or highlight ongoing retail crime issues.

Guest speakers from partner agencies throughout the year will provide further useful information on services available to the retail sector.

The first scheduled webinar will be 11am on Wednesday 6 May. For an invite, email SCDRetailCrimeTaskForce Prevent@Scotland.police.uk.

Parfetts reveals Go For Growth

Wholesaler Parfetts has pledged to help independent retailers increase sales, sharpen their ranges and simplify ordering with its new ‘Go for Growth’ programme. The category advice initiative centres on an online hub designed to streamline decision-making. Parfetts has also cemented its commitment to Scotland by joining the Scottish Wholesale Association.

Shirine Khoury-Haq to leave Co-op

After four years as Co-op CEO, Shirine Khoury-Haq has made the decision to step down and Kate Allum has been appointed Interim Group CEO. During her tenure, Khoury-Haq led the business through significant transformation, including a 95% reduction in debt and a 30% increase in profit between 2022 and 2024. She also led the organisation during a major cyber attack in 2025.

SWA to hold Connex Conference

The Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) has announced that its ‘Supply, Sustain, Support’ Connex Conference and evening dinner, hosted by broadcaster Zara Janjua, will take place in Glasgow on Thursday 28 May. The event will shine a spotlight on the most pressing topics impacting the wholesale sector.

Bestway Retail Showcase returns

The Bestway Retail Showcase is back for 2026 and will focus on a central theme of ‘World Cup Ready’. The event takes place at the Coventry Building Society Arena (CBS) on Thursday 14 May from 10.30am–4.30pm. More than 700 retailers and guests are expected to attend, including representatives from Bestway Retail’s Costcutter, best-one, Bargain Booze and Xtra Local fascias.

New Premier launches in Stirling

Zia Ali’s new GKR Premier store in Bannockburn officially opened on 3 April after a major refit. The revamped store features beer and soft drinks caves, a Refresh @ Premier zone, extensive foodto-go and fresh & chilled ranges, parcel lockers, and wash.me laundry facilities. Customers on the day were treated to freshly prepared Praveen Kumar dishes and the first 200 through the door received a free iced donut from the award-winning Stephens Bakery.

Reporting abuse makes no odds, survey finds Abuse and threats against shopworkers continue to grow, but over a third of retail staff (37%) feel a total lack of confidence that reporting the incidents to their employer will make a difference, according to retail trade union Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear annual survey of nearly 9,000 retail staff. Within Scotland, 76% of retail staff were verbally abused in 2025, up from 70% in 2024, while half (50%) were threatened in 2025, up from 45% in 2024.

Fed and Bestway team up

The Fed has joined forces with Bestway to launch the Bestway Voucher Book, which features 40 deals. Members can redeem the vouchers in Bestway depots until 31 May. If all 40 vouchers are redeemed, members can save themselves up to £430.

Indie opens Co-op in Cruden Bay

Tahir Pervaiz has opened the doors to his new Co-op franchise and Post Office in Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire, following the redevelopment of the village’s Post Office and store, which had been closed since the end of September.

The new look store features an extended fresh and chilled range, a Costa Coffee Express machine and a serve over bakery from North-East bakers Murdoch Allan.

Racetrack calls Police Scotland’s drive-off response ‘pathetic’

Shamly Sud of the award-winning Racetrack convenience and forecourt chain has been le fuming a er police initially said they wouldn’t act when a sta member reported a fuel the .

A Racetrack customer refuelled their car, then went to an external ATM before driving o . When site manager, Derek Paton (pictured), called the police to report the incident he was asked whether or not he felt the drive-o had been intentional and when he answered that it may have been a mistake, he was told that it wouldn’t be followed up as it wasn’t a crime.

Derek then had to backtrack, claiming that the drive-o probably was intentional. is resulted in a second police phone call where Derek was told that the issue would be followed up on this occasion,

CRIME

but that “it depends on who you get on the phone” as to whether the police would be willing to act next time. He was also told that his sta needed to “be more assertive”.

Shamly explained that the company already took stringent measures to tackle drive-o s, using special cameras which scan registration plates so that fuel can be withheld if the plates are false.

“I’m not sure what they [the police]

Three women arrested in Dundee for over 30 retail offences

Multiple arrests were made as part of a retail crime Day of Action in Dundee last month, where Dundee’s Retail Crime Taskforce (RCTF) and city centre o cers, worked with partners at Retailers Against Crime and local businesses to target individuals associated with retail crime. ree women, aged 34, 38 and 43, were arrested over 30 retail o ences including shopli ing food, health and beauty items and clothing, as well as assaulting a retail worker and threatening a retail worker.

Five others were charged in connection with shopli ing o ences, and a man was arrested on an outstanding warrant, which related to a retail o ence.

expect from retailers,” she said. “I would not expect my sta to run out onto the forecourt because that’s above and beyond what they’re paid for and I wouldn’t want to put them at risk.

“What is the point in us having CCTV and state-of-the-art technology so that we can get the registration plate and give all the details to the police if the police then turn around and say ‘this is not worth our while’.”

She stated that she would now train her sta to report all driveo s as intentional. “It’s actually pathetic,” she said. “I understand that Police Scotland is limited on resources, but retailers have to feel safe and feel that they’re being protected. At the moment I’m just seeing another expense that’s happening and it’s just ridiculous.”

FORECOURTS

Fuel price spike sees 115% increase in forecourt staff abuse

Incidents of abuse towards petrol station workers have more than doubled following fuel prices spiking at the beginning of March, reports VARS Technology.

Figures were compiled from forecourt customers that use the VARS facial recognition system, comparing the first two weeks in March to the last two weeks in February.

The company found a 115% increase in reports of aggressive or anti-social behaviour, or incidents where customers damaged shop fittings or stock. Reports of theft or attempted theft remained consistent over the two periods.

Previously, most incidents of aggressive behaviour were linked to failed theft attempts, but instead during March most reports were standalone incidents.

VARS Technology director John Garnett said: “The rise in fuel prices has had a far bigger impact on the way people treat forecourt staff than it has on levels of fuel theft, which has only risen a small percentage on the sites we work with.

“Anyone working in the industry understands that forecourt operators aren’t profiteering or price gouging and instead are doing their best to minimise price rises for customers. However, that message isn’t coming through from Government, and these figures clearly show the impact this is having on forecourt workers just trying to do their job.”

Allwyn to launch two new National Lottery games

National Lottery operator, Allwyn, has announced two major game formats coming this summer: the biggestever change to Lotto, and the launch of a UK-speci c version of Powerball, which has never been played outside the US before.

From 7 June, every £2 Lotto line will give players two chances to win – all for the same price and with the same number of balls to choose from, with a new two-round format every draw. e change improves players’ chances of winning any prize from 1-in-9.3

RESEARCH Survey reveals conflict impact

to 1-in-4.9 and is expected to more than double the number of Lotto millionaires from around 140 a year to around 345.

e rst draw will take place on Wednesday 10 June. e new two-round structure will see two sets of six main balls and a Bonus Ball drawn using two separate draw machines. is means a player could win in Round 1, Round 2, or both rounds, all from a single Lotto line.

As with the current format, Lotto jackpots will begin at £2m and can roll over up to ve times before a mustbe-won event on the sixth consecutive draw. Players will still win a prize when they match two or more main numbers.

In addition, the Lotto HotPicks add-on game will also move to the new two-round format, and will continue to be priced at £1.

Powerball will be the UK’s rst £1bn+ mega-jackpot game and is launching in the UK in partnership with the Multi-State Lottery Association. It will see UK players playing alongside their US counterparts for a chance to win the mega, shared jackpot.

Iran war sees rising food prices top list of consumer concerns

e rising cost of food has overtaken rising energy bills and rising fuel prices to become the number one consumer concern as a result of tensions in the Middle East, according to Barclays.

e research revealed that 86% of consumers surveyed between 27-31 March were concerned about rising food prices, an increase of 13% from 3-6 March where the gure stood at 76%. Almost three quarters (74%) anticipate ongoing tensions will continue to impact the cost of living throughout the rest of year.

However, overall consumer resilience remains strong with the majority of UK adults (71%) feeling con dent in their ability to live within their means each month.

Consumer card spending increased 0.9% year-on-year in March, down from February (1%) and less than the latest CPIH in ation rate of 3.4%. Essential spending returned to growth (up 0.5%) for the rst time since July 2025 (0.3%). Barclays claimed that this was largely driven by a 1.6% rise in fuel spending, the category’s rst increase since

February 2023 (5.2%). Spending jumped 10.9% year on year in the week commencing 28 February as drivers lled up ahead of price rises, but the peak quickly tailed o , with spending returning to last year’s levels throughout March.

IGD warns of food inflation surge risk amidst Middle East conflict

The Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) has forecast that food inflation could briefly reach over 8% by June 2026 if disruption to global energy markets persists, in the most severe but short-lived energy shock scenario. This is more than double the current food inflation rate of 3.6%.

Under this high-impact scenario, the sharp rise in prices would be short-lived but severe, with

average food inflation circling around 6.4% across 2026.

IGD’s baseline scenario mapping, which assumes no Middle East conflict, sees retail food inflation forecast to average 3.8% in 2026.

A middle scenario would see a more moderate but temporary energy shock lift average food inflation to around 4.8% in 2026.

Man charged with 39 crimes

A man has been charged with 39 crimes in Edinburgh, including shoplifting, offences against retail workers, housebreaking and bail offences.

The Retail Crime Taskforce in Edinburgh worked with plain clothes store detectives in Leith who traced the man following a series of shop thefts. He was then arrested by officers.

Unitas shares brand building guide

Unitas has published a brand building guide called Winning With Unitas that shows suppliers how it can drive volume and growth through a range of retail, wholesale and out-of-home media opportunities. The guide looks at how suppliers have performed best in partnership with the group’s 125 members, taking advantage of promotions, range guidance, depot and retail activity and member engagement events to align activation and promotional compliance.

FSS consults on CBD novel foods apps

Consumers, industry, enforcement bodies and stakeholders have been invited to share their views on the first three applications seeking authorisation for cannabidiol (CBD) products as novel foods in Scotland. Food Standards Scotland has launched a 12week public consultation seeking feedback on a range of issues.

JW Filshill teams up with Eden Farm

Eden Farm, a national wholesaler and distributor specialising in frozen food, ice cream and chilled, has joined forces with JW Filshill to run a ‘Feed the family for £5’ frozen meal deal in KeyStore stores. The promotion offers shoppers a choice of protein, vegetables, a potato option and ice cream, designed to provide a full meal including dessert for £5.

Convenience Matters

with the SGF

At the time of writing, we are awaiting the results of the Scottish Election, which will undoubtedly impact Scottish c-stores over the next five years. Whatever the outcome, we expect a significant swathe of new parliamentarians eager to make their mark.

Nonetheless, in recent years we have seen an important shift in the Scottish Government’s approach to business regulation. ‘UK Alignment’ appears to be the administration’s default position, and will likely continue through the next parliament.

Not too long ago, Scottishonly policy such as DRS and new separate restrictions on HFSS food & drink and vapes & tobacco were all firmly in the sights of Scottish ministers. Now, they are either fully aligned with regulations south of the border or part of a four nations approach.

In part, at least, this is to be welcomed. Alignment minimises market distortion, competitive disadvantages, and the administrative burden of distinct rules for each UK nation. It’s also testament to the work of SGF and our partners – successfully convincing ministers to move away from different for its own sake.

Two areas that remain under the Scottish Government, however, are retail crime and business rates – both top concerns for our sector and among the first issues we will raise with new MSPs, along with illicit trade.

We also saw the latest above-inflation hike in the minimum wage last month. Ministers must now recognise the impact of the true cost of employment and rising business costs on small business growth – and both governments must take urgent action to support local retail.

True cost of employment –retailers pay ‘37% above NLW’

The University of Stirling and SGF shine a light on the real business cost to Scottish retailers of minimum wage hikes.

As the National Living Wage (NLW) increases to £12.71 per hour, new analysis shows that the true cost to retailers when paying the NLW is signi cantly higher at £17.37 per hour, which is 65p more than the previous year.

NEW MINIMUM WAGE HOURLY RATES, FROM 1 APRIL 2026:

Q National Living Wage (over-21s): £12.71 (+£0.50) (+4.1%)

Research by the University of Stirling and the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), which factors in employer only-costs such as employer National Insurance contributions and holiday pay, alongside additional employmentrelated expenses including uniforms and administrative overheads, found that the true cost of employment equates to a premium to the NLW of £4.66 (37%).

Q 18 to 20-year-olds: £10.85 (+£0.85) (+8.5%)

Q 16/17s and apprentice rate: £8 (+£0.45) (+6.0%)

Meanwhile, a recent survey of SGF members highlights the mounting pressure on the sector, with 100% of respondents stating they are unable to increase sta numbers or working hours due to rising costs. Additionally, more than three-quarters (77%) of retailers report that wage increases will have a signi cant or substantial impact on the viability of their business.

Over the past decade, the real business cost of employment has almost doubled (£9.28 in 2016 to £17.37 in 2026). As a result, retailers have warned that higher sta ng costs will inevitably be passed on to customers – many of whom are already facing nancial pressure – while also leading to reduced opening hours and, in some cases, di cult decisions about whether stores can continue to operate.

Professor Leigh Sparks, University of Stirling, said: “A reduction in the number of people employed by the convenience store sector in Scotland as well as indications of reductions in labour input (hours worked) and hours of opening have recently been seen in national data. Whilst the increase in the National Living Wage (NLW) is a recent low, and there have been no further increases in employer National Insurance, een years of austerity, the true cost of Brexit and recent, and likely future Trump-inspired, economic turbulence and in ation have made the Scottish convenience store sector cautious and concerned over costs and regulations.

“With the rising costs of labour, energy and store security it is extremely unlikely that sales and pro t

have been maintained at 2016 levels.

“Convenience stores o en play more than a ‘simple’ shop role and are key assets and community “glue” providing facilities, services and spaces to combat social and economic inequalities and isolation. Understanding the true cost of employment and the consequences that decisions on wages and other employment and regulation aspects have, is thus an essential part of maintaining and growing this vital sector.”

SGF Chief Executive, Dr Pete Cheema OBE, added: “For a decade, we’ve exposed the gap between the headline National Living Wage and the real cost of employing sta – and that gap is only widening.

“Let’s be clear, Scottish retailers support fair pay, but policymakers cannot ignore the real and rising business costs created by above-in ation increases to the National Living Wage. Last year, retailers were hit with a double whammy – sharp wage rises combined with damaging increases to employer National Insurance costs.

“Instead of easing the pressure, governments have chosen to further add to the burden on retailers. e implications of this puts jobs, investment and the future of local businesses at risk.

“If governments are serious about promoting economic stability, supporting business investment and tackling increasing levels of unemployment, they must address the continued rise in employment costs and the impact this is having on small business growth.”

e Real Business Cost of Employment 2026 paper will form part of SGF’s annual submission to the Low Pay Commission consultation, for inclusion in its report and recommendations to the Prime Minister later this year.

Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed the “muchneeded” above-in ation 4.1% increase in the main minimum wage rate, along with a notably higher increase for younger workers, which the union deemed “progress towards ending rip-o youth rates”.

e union claimed that the increases took the “socalled” National Living Wage closer to the real Living Wage, helping close the gap on age-related pay.

CRUNCH TIME APPROACHES FOR DRS

Having had a front row seat for the first attempt to launch a Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland, there’s absolutely no doubt that a lot of lessons have been learned and that Exchange for Change, the clunkily-named administrator of the DR 2.0 scheme is making a far better job of it than Circularity Scotland ever did. Granted, Circularity had at least one hand tied behind its back for most of its short-lived existence, but Exchange for Change has long been saying all the right things, communicating well and appointing people that actually understand the industry and the challenges.

So far, so positive but the reality was always going to be that good comms and recruitment would only take the administrator so far. There’s clearly a political will to get it done this time around and, broadly speaking, there’s an acceptance in the trade that this time we need to make it happen. A lot of the people that fought so hard against DRS during the first attempt now seem to be much more accepting of it, including the big retail chains and suppliers.

Offering smaller retailers grants to install RVMs is also a good sign. It worked in Ireland and it demonstrates that Exchange for Change is listening to us. Small steps, but steps in the right direction.

So things are slowly edging forward but the biggest threat to the calm seas was always going to be when Exchange for Change had to start revealing the important stuff, the nitty gritty that really matters to retailers. Stuff like the handling fee and the collection schedule. These were the sorts of issues that helped derail the scheme last time and, with the best will in the world, there’s likely to be at least some uproar this time around too.

The reality is that the implementation of DRS 2.0 was never going to be a pain-free experience. There are going to be bumps in the road. There are going to be issues that our sector fundamentally objects to – but we will have to find a way to navigate the process, minimise the downsides where we can and somehow get to the point where we drag this scheme into reality, hopefully without it causing too much grief to retailers.

DRS will be transformational for Scotland’s environment and for every community we serve. Local retailing is all about community so we should endeavour to play a leading role in bringing DRS to life. We should aim to own it. We have more stores in more places than the supermarkets or discounters or anyone else for that matter.

The next few months will undoubtedly come with challenges for our sector as the detail is revealed. It won’t be pretty in parts, I’m sure, but it’s my sincere hope that we can find a way to make DRS work for local retailers and their customers. It’s coming – so let’s make it ours.

ANTONY BEGLEY, PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

EDITORIAL

Publishing Director & Editor Antony Begley abegley@55north.com

Deputy Editor Sarah Britton sbritton@55north.com

Features Editor Gaelle Walker gwalker@55north.com

Web Editor

Findlay Stein fstein@55north.com

ADVERTISING

Sales & Marketing Director Helen Lyons 07575 959 915 | hlyons@55north.com

Advertising Manager Garry Cole 07846 872 738 | gcole@55north.com

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Design & Digital Manager Richard Chaudhry rchaudhry@55north.com

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MAKE YOUR CHOICE

KEY PLEDGES FROM THE SNP MANIFESTO

SMALL BUSINESS BONUS MAINTAINED

We will ensure that our non-domestic rates system aligns with Scotland’s economic ambitions, while protecting the Small Business Bonus, which supports more than 100,000 small businesses.

REBALANCE BUSINESS RATES SYSTEM

We will rebalance the system to make it fairer and more accountable, and to ensure that online giants like Amazon pay their fair share and contribute to their local communities.

PRICE CAP ON LARGE SUPERMARKET FOOD ESSENTIALS

We will take a public health intervention to establish statutory price ceilings on a basket of 20 to 50 essential food items at large supermarkets, such as bread, milk and eggs to provide tangible relief to families struggling with grocery bills, ensuring that necessities for a balanced diet remain a ordable.

e system would require large supermarkets to make one example line of the listed essential food items available at the capped price and would not require them to make every variation of that type of food they stock available at that price. As with Minimum Unit Pricing, we would introduce a sunset clause through the legislation to ensure that it was e ective in order to continue.

HOLD A REFERENDUM ON INDEPENDENCE WITH A VIEW TO REJOINING EU

A vote for the SNP is a vote for a referendum on independence.

Ahead of the Scottish Election on Thursday 7 May, we’ve highlighted the SNP, Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Labour manifesto pledges most relevant to convenience retailers to help you decide which party is most deserving of your vote.

An independent Scotland would rejoin the EU swi ly to guarantee free trade with the world’s biggest single market, higher economic growth, greater security and increased exchange opportunities for young Scots.

REQUEST TRANSFER OF ENERGY POWERS TO HOLYROOD

Ahead of independence, we will formally request the transfer of energy powers from Westminster to Holyrood and we will use those powers to end the practice of gas setting the price for an energy system dominated by renewable energy to lower bills. With independence we can create energy savings for businesses of at least one-third.

PLANNING SYSTEM REFORM

We will further simplify regulation and reform the planning system, speeding up decision making, including reforming Compulsory Purchase Orders and exploring Compulsory Sales Orders.

COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING BILL

We will take forward the actions outlined in the Community Wealth Building Bill, to keep wealth circulating locally, regionally and nationally, and ensuring that economic bene ts are broadly shared rather than concentrated. We will increase the number of employeeowned businesses operating in Scotland to 500 by 2030.

We will continue to take a strategic approach to delivering our regeneration ambitions, including revitalising town centres and encouraging town centre living, addressing the blight of vacant and

derelict land and supporting community ownership.

We will invest further in our Business Improvement Districts as a driver of town centre regeneration.

RETAIL CRIME TASKFORCE £10m FUNDING

We will provide £10 million over the next three years to tackle retail crime through Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce.

ESTABLISH A LAST PROVIDER FUND

To support rural communities we will establish a Last Provider Fund to help keep open shops and pubs who are the last remaining providers in rural and island communities, a er the UK Government closed the Community Ownership Fund.

INTRODUCE A VAPE DISPLAY BAN

We will introduce a Vape Display Ban, treating the display of vapes in the same way as tobacco products, including banning the advertising, promotion and retail visibility of vapes and nicotine pouches.

CALL FOR DEVOLUTION OF EMPLOYMENT LAW

We continue to call on Westminster to fully devolve Employment Law to strengthen workers rights, and tackle poor and insecure employment practices. is will ensure that Scotland’s workers are not at the mercy of Tory or Reform governments who will seek to erode their rights

SGF

WHAT’S WELCOME

Retail crime is the number one issue impacting retailers in Scotland. Thanks to pressure from SGF and our partners, the new Retail Crime Taskforce is making encouraging progress with limited resource. The allocation of £10m over three years, shows that the SNP understand this problem won’t fix itself.

WHAT’S CONCERNING

Scottish retail businesses missed out on vital rates reliefs seen in other parts of the UK. Alongside new product restrictions and a potential price cap that will have knockon effects for the sector, the SNP must understand that the valuable service that local shops provide is at risk.

KEY PLEDGES FROM THE SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVES MANIFESTO

NO BUSINESS RATES FOR PROPERTIES WITH A RATEABLE VALUE UNDER £20,000

e Scottish Conservatives would guarantee that all businesses with a current rateable value of less than £20,000 would pay no business rates with no requirement to apply for business rates relief.

END ‘CLIFF EDGE’ RATES JUMPS

For businesses falling just above this threshold, they would only be taxed on the value of their property above the zero-rate threshold. So a property currently valued at £21,000 would only pay tax on the £1,000 above £20,000. is rule would apply for each subsequent threshold.

LOWER BUSINESS RATES FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED RETAILERS

We would introduce lower business rates for small and mediumsized retail, hospitality and leisure companies in Scotland, providing them with the long-term security they need to stay open for business.

SET A CAP ON MAXIMUM INCREASES BUSINESSES WILL FACE AHEAD OF REVALUATION PROCESS

e most recent revaluation process for business rates caused signi cant anxiety for business owners in Scotland and we must avoid this in the future. e Scottish Conservatives would address this by setting out in advance a cap on the maximum possible increase a company could face in its business rates bill ahead of the revaluation process, tied to the RPI measure of in ation. is would provide businesses with the certainty they need to plan investment, sta ng and cash ow.

THREE-YEAR RATES FREEZE FOR BUSINESSES THAT UPGRADE THEIR PROPERTIES

Although businesses can currently get a business rates freeze for 12 months for properties that undergo physical improvements, that window is too short for companies to see a return on their investment, so we would extend that period to three years.

MERGING ASSESSORS INTO ONE BODY RESPONSIBLE FOR VALUING COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

Currently, there are 14 di erent assessors across Scotland, responsible for valuing all non-domestic property. e only route of appeal is through the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland which provides very limited scope for challenge in practice.

We would tackle this problem by merging the separate assessors into a single national body. is body would be led by a Chief Assessor who would issue guidance on valuation practice and provide a formal route for resolving disputes. is would ensure consistency of treatment across the country.

RENT AUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES LEFT EMPTY FOR 18 MONTHS

To end the blight of empty shop fronts on our high streets, we would also empower councils to introduce rent auctions for commercial properties that have been purposefully le vacant by their owners. If a property is le empty for 18 months, either in a row or within a 24-month period, councils would be able to start a rent auction for the property where prospective tenants bid against each other for access to the shop.

DITCH COUNCIL CAR PARKING CHARGES FOR STAYS OF UP TO TWO HOURS

To attract people back to our town centres, we would provide local authorities with funding to abolish council car parking charges for stays of two hours or less.

INTRODUCE A REDUCTION OF RED TAPE BILL

We would introduce a Reduction of Red Tape Bill that would start the mass repeal of harmful, anti-business legislation passed under the SNP. We would consult directly with businesses to identify the regulations that are economically damaging and, where ministers agree, would repeal or amend them.

OPPOSE RESTRICTIONS ON ALCOHOL ADVERTISING

e Scottish Conservatives want to support our food and drink industry, so we would promise not to implement harmful regulation on the sector and speci cally commit to opposing any restrictions on alcohol advertising, marketing and sponsorship in Scotland.

SCRAP MINIMUM UNIT PRICING

We would scrap Minimum Unit Pricing and instead increase support

for alcohol addiction services across the country a er the SNP cut drug and alcohol policy funding in real terms in the last Budget.

SCRAP 2045 NET ZERO TARGETS AND PRIORITISE LOWERING ENERGY COSTS

Overhaul Scottish Government energy policy so that its main objective is to lower costs for households and businesses, rather than reaching arbitrary net zero targets.

TOUGHER ENFORCEMENT AGAINST ILLICIT VAPE SALES

We support the ban on disposable vapes and want to see tougher enforcement against those who break the rules regarding the sale of vapes in Scotland. We will bring in tougher punishments for vape shop owners who fail to comply with rules and regulations including jail time.

MANDATORY FIRE SAFETY CHECKS FOR ALL VAPE SHOPS

While it is not known if this was the cause of the March 2026 re on Union Street in Glasgow, we would introduce mandatory re safety checks for all vape shops, with re o cers able to intervene if they see a potential re hazard with the storage of these batteries.

PRISON FOR SHOPLIFTERS WHO ARE CONVICTED OF THREE SEPARATE OFFENCES

We would end the current practice of dealing with the majority of serial shopli ers through nes, as this has not deterred reo ending. Instead, a shopli er who is convicted of three separate o ences will go to prison unless exceptional circumstances apply.

e Scottish Conservatives would legislate to treat organised crime groups like terrorists, whereby proven members could be imprisoned for up to 14 years.

SGF

WHAT’S

WELCOME

A substantial review of the business rates regime is long overdue for Scotland. Measures proposed by the Scottish Conservatives will help put local shops and business back on track for growth. While tougher penalties for retail related crime will help reverse the trend.

WHAT’S CONCERNING

Scottish retailers offer essential local services within walking distance of customer’s homes. Many want more opportunities to invest in new sustainable technologies, to help reduce energy costs, and to help improve the local environment for their communities. It’s not clear that shifting the focus away from support for green investment is the right course.

KEY PLEDGES FROM THE SCOTTISH LABOUR MANIFESTO

REPLACE BUSINESS RATES SYSTEM WITH A LOCAL BUSINESS LEVY

Abolishing the unfair business rates system, replacing it with a new local business levy which incentivises local investment, supports vibrant town centres, tackles empty properties, and encourages entrepreneurship. We will work with the business sector and local authorities to develop our local business levy. Changes would be revenue neutral but better balanced to support retail and hospitality in town centres and promote local economic growth.

Ensure online retailers and large distribution warehouses pay their fair share and appoint a Chief Assessor so there is true accountability over valuations.

IMPROVE LOCAL POLICE PRESENCE

Return police o cers back to the front line in communities, cutting back on the time o cers spend waiting to give evidence in an outdated court system and reducing hours spent on nonpolice work.

Give every neighbourhood a named community and crime prevention o cer, to work across council wards responding to crime, gathering intelligence and building relationships with retailers, schools and community groups to reduce o ending in high crime areas.

Make the police accountable to local people, restoring the statutory obligation for local police divisions to consult on local policing plans and within the rst 100 days of government set out new Strategic Policing Priorities that focus on community policing.

PROSECUTE SHOPLIFTERS AND EXPAND REMIT OF RETAIL CRIME TASKFORCE

Prosecuting shopli ing, expanding the remit of the Retail Crime taskforce beyond the central belt. Crime prevention o cers will support better coordination between businesses in high crime areas and work with the Crown O ce and Procurator Fiscal Service to ensure those who do not pay scal nes face court action.

REDUCE COURT DELAYS

Modernising the court system to reduce delays, fast-tracking the plans to digitise the sharing of evidence and carrying out a productivity review of scheduling in the High Court and Appeal Court, learning from the Summary Case Management initiative.

PREVENT THE PROMOTION OF VAPING TO NON-SMOKERS

Expanding smoking cessation programmes, preventing the promotion of vaping to non-smokers and young people, and gathering more robust data on the rate of young people taking up smoking and vaping.

INTRODUCE SINGLE USE CUPS CHARGE

Tackling littering and waste from drinks’ containers, rolling out the Deposit Return Scheme and introducing a small charge for single-use takeaway cups.

WORK WITH SUPERMARKETS TO REDUCE SALES OF FOOD WITH NO NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Working with supermarkets to promote healthy food promotions and reduce sales of food with no nutritional value.

RECOUP THE PROFITS FROM MINIMUM UNIT PRICING FROM LARGE RETAILERS TO FUND REHABILITATION SERVICES

Investing in alcohol and substance misuse recovery services, maintaining national funding and recouping the pro ts from minimum unit pricing from large retailers to fund frontline rehabilitation services.

SGF

WHAT’S WELCOME

SGF and Scottish Labour worked together to deliver the Protection of Workers (Retail) Act, and we are pleased to see that local policing is back on the agenda. Likewise, we would be interested to delve deeper into the much-needed review of business rates in Scotland.

WHAT’S CONCERNING

Scottish retailers are already facing a raft of new product restrictions and regulations from government in both Edinburgh and Westminster. It’s not clear that ever tightening controls on marketing and new initiatives such as the single use cup charge will deliver in the intended benefits. What is clear is that it will add additional pressure to small and local businesses, which are delivering essential services for their communities.

New look for Coca-Cola Zero Caffeine Zero Sugar

Coca-Cola has introduced a refreshed black and gold pack design for Coca-Cola Zero Caffeine Zero Sugar. The relaunch includes a partnership with the upcoming 007 First Light video game, in which the can will appear. Limited-edition packs also feature interactive QR codes offering the chance to win prizes via the Coca-Cola App, including custom 007 consoles and in-game content.

Warburtons makeover

Warburtons has marked its 150th anniversary with a packaging redesign across its entire range of more than 70 products, intended to unite the portfolio under one cohesive visual identity. The redesign makes strong use of the brand’s ‘baked orange’ colour and the Warburtons wordmark now has a subtle curve that evokes a smile. New food photography shows products prepared and ready to eat.

PepsiCo signs four-year FA partnership

PepsiCo and Pepsi MAX have agreed a four-year partnership with The FA, becoming the soft drinks partner of the England men’s and women’s senior teams. The move supports PepsiCo’s ambition to become a central part of England’s football culture. The partnership will be activated through digital activity, limited-edition Pepsi MAX packaging and immersive fan experiences.

Bold Bean Co boosts packs

Bold Bean Co has upsized its baked beans from a 325g jar to 390g after shoppers said the previous portion was too big for one person but not enough for two. The brand has also merged its two tomato flavours into a single ‘Rich Tomato’ variant following consumer confusion. The pricing on the bigger packs remains unchanged, giving retailers a simple ‘more for the same’ message.

Product News

BISCUITS Shoppers can win a holiday

Oreo launches Twist, Lick, Dunk Challenge

Mondelez has launched a playful challenge inviting consumers to capture how they twist, lick and dunk an Oreo for the chance to win a range of prizes, including a £10,000 holiday.

To take part, consumers need to scan the QR code on promotional packs to be directed to a microsite where they will discover if they have won a prize.

addition to a holiday, participants can win electronic devices, vouchers, subscriptions and digital emojis.

e on-pack promotion also introduces a new embossed Twist, Lick, Dunk biscuit.

e challenge gives shoppers

SPORTS & ENERGY

e challenge gives shoppers multiple chances to win. In

Celsius rolls out ‘Live. Fit. Go’ brand platform across Europe

Celsius has extended its ‘Live. Fit. Go’ global brand platform to Europe, highlighting how its zero-sugar, vitamin-enriched energy drink supports active lifestyles “from workouts to nights out”.

The campaign features Team Celsius, a roster of professional athletes and fitness creators, and follows last year’s rollout in the US, Canada and Australia.

The European line-up for Team Celsius includes footballers Declan Rice and Lucas Bergvall, and lifestyle and fitness content creator Saffron Barker, alongside a number of other athletes and influencers.

In January, Celsius launched four new sparkling flavours in the UK — Raspberry Peach, Mango Lemonade, Kiwi Guava and Strawberry Watermelon.

e competition runs to June and is backed by an out-of-home campaign, instore activations and e-commerce activity. It runs across a range of formats, including Oreo Twin Pack and Oreo Original.

SOFT DRINKS Hajoori adds summer flavours

Indian soft drinks brand Hajoori has unveiled a raft of new flavours across its Sosyo, Kashmira and Lemee ranges, and launched Opener, a new carbonated drinks brand in two classic Indian flavours, to help retailers capitalise on rising summer demand for nonalcoholic beverages.

The 100-year-old brand, which has a strong following among Indian consumers for its distinct flavours, recently launched into Morrisons and is expanding distribution in independent retail through a partnership with speciality food and drink importer and distributor Empire Bespoke Foods.

The new Opener range is available in 250ml glass bottles, with an RSP of £1.49 per bottle. It launches in two flavours, Lemon and Ginger.

Coca-Cola partners with Commonwealth Games

e Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Europaci c Partners (CCEP) GB will be the O cial So Drinks Partners to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and an O cial Partner of Team Scotland.

Glasgow 2026 will run from 23 July to 2 August across four venues in Glasgow, with around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing in 10 sports and six para sports. CCEP is a returning Games sponsor and was also the O cial So Drink Provider for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

At Glasgow 2026, CocaCola Zero Sugar, Powerade and Smartwater will be the O cial So Drink, Sports Drink and Water providers, respectively.

To support Glasgow 2026’s ambition to deliver a greener Games, CCEP is teaming up with Keep Scotland Beautiful on a project to clean up riverbanks closest to the sports venues near the River Clyde. CCEP will provide funding and volunteer support.

FOOD TO GO Rollover marks NPD launch with competition

Win an ‘ultimate pizza party’ for your store

Rollover is giving retailers the chance to win an “ultimate pizza party” for their store to mark the launch of its new Margherita and Pepperoni Pizza Twist variants (see Hotlines p31).

One lucky winning store will receive a one-day takeover designed to engage the local community, boost footfall and showcase Rollover’s range.

e prize package includes free stock to “keep the excitement – and the ovens – blazing hot”, in-store sampling and activation, and a live performance from one of social media’s hottest rising comedy stars.

Lucozade Grafrutti is back for the believers Lucozade has brought back its 2015 Grafrutti limited edition as a zero-sugar, zero-calorie variant in the wake of strong consumer demand. Featuring a blend of grapefruit, citrus, and berry flavours, it returns in 500ml and 900ml PET bottle formats with a vibrant new look. The relaunch is supported by a £2.3m ‘Back for the Believers’ campaign.

Golden Yolker revamp

CCEP will also work with venue waste management teams to support recycling e orts during the Games.

All CCEP bottles sold at venue outlets will be recyclable, and its 500ml range is made from 100% recycled plastic.

CONFECTIONERY

Big Win-Win returns

Noble Foods has refreshed Golden Yolker’s packaging, shifting the free-range egg brand towards a refined, foodie-led look that spotlights its rich yolks. The update keeps the Freshlay Farms logo on pack but focuses on Golden Yolker, reflecting the brand’s move into ‘indulgent’ home cooking. With Golden Yolker having doubled in value over four years, the relaunch will be backed by new recipe content and chef collaborations.

Treacherous treats

Cadbury has relaunched its Big Win-Win campaign, giving shoppers and independent retailers the chance to win cash prizes.

World of Sweets is launching a licensed ‘The Traitors’ confectionery range in September. Lines will include Sweet-or-Sour Chews (120g, RSP £1.50), a Jellybean Spinner Game (100g, RSP £3), Chocolate Coins (72g, RSP £1.75) and a Chocolate Shield Medallion (26g, RSP £1.50). The range has been developed to bring a stronger play element into confectionery – combining sweets with challenges, surprise flavour moments and group interaction.

Cheestrings update

Retailers can enter by completing a short form at rolloverhotdogs.com/pizza-competition by 31 May 2026.

completing a short form at rolloverhotdogs.com/pizza-competition

To take part, shoppers need to buy any participating Cadbury product and enter their details online. Winners nominate a favourite local store to share the prize. There are £100,000 in shopper prizes and £50,000 for retailers, with 100 prize opportunities: 25 x £1,000, 25 x £500 and 50 x £250 for retailers and their shoppers.

Strings & Things has refreshed Cheestrings packs with a new ‘real cheese’ badge to help shoppers spot the product’s dairy credentials at shelf. The update keeps the familiar purple colour and new-look packs are rolling out now. Footballthemed variants follow for a limited period from 18 May. The brand says the change supports lunchbox and on-the-go growth and aims to make choice easier for families.

Asahi’s premium lagers shift to 440ml multipacks

Asahi is evolving its multipack strategy to help retailers counter the decline in traditional 330ml and mainstream brand formats. The brewer has introduced new 440ml can packs across its premium brands to protect retail sales and margins while reflecting changing shopper needs. Peroni Nastro Azzurro has added a 10x440ml format, while Asahi Super Dry has launched a 4x440ml pack.

Glencadam extends refreshed packaging Glencadam Distillery has unveiled the next stage of its premium packaging rollout, with three expressions moving to the brand’s refreshed identity. The new look now covers the awardwinning Glencadam Reserva Andalucía Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish, Glencadam Reserva de Porto Tawny, Tawny Port Cask Finish, and Glencadam Reserva de Porto Branco, White Port Cask Finish.

Japanese single malt Miyagikyo comes to UK

Nikka Whisky has launched Miyagikyo Single Malt 10-year-old in the UK via premium spirits distributor Speciality Brands, marking the first age-statement release from the Miyagikyo distillery since 2016. Bottled at 45% ABV, the whisky is a limited release that showcases the distillery’s signature elegance and fruit-forward character. It has an RSP of £149 (70cl).

Mangrove launches

Fairtrade-certified liqueurs

Fairtrade-certified spirits brand Fair has rolled out two new lower-ABV spirits into the UK through distributor Mangrove Global. Fair Coconut is made using fresh coconuts sourced from the Philippines, while Fair Mango is produced from fresh Peruvian mangoes. Both come in at 18% ABV, and are available now at an RSP of £25.75 for a 70cl bottle.

RTDs Launch brings tropical twist to range

CCEP adds Absolut Vodka & Sprite Pineapple

Coca-Cola Europaci c Partners (CCEP) has expanded its alcohol RTD line-up with Absolut Vodka & Sprite Pineapple, the brand’s second fruity avour.

e 250ml can blends Sprite’s crisp pro le with Absolut Vodka and a tropical pineapple twist, and is available with an RSP of £2.29.

e new variant targets relaxed, spontaneous occasions with friends, from picnics and festivals to unwinding a er a long day, delivering a bar-quality serve in a ready-to-enjoy format.

WINE

Campo Viejo ‘Adds Some Pasión’

Campo Viejo has launched a new ‘Add Some Pasión’ campaign across the UK and Ireland, supported by a £1.4m spend spanning TV, digital and in-store activation.

The activity aims to drive seasonal spend and prompt trade-up at fixture through clearer occasion cues.

While rooted in its Rioja credentials, the campaign shifts emphasis from provenance to the energy and spontaneity associated with Spanish dining, positioning the brand as a catalyst for more connected, expressive mealtime moments.

Jennifer Beale, Marketing Manager at Vinarchy, said: “Spain represents a real sense of spontaneity, connection and Pasión, which is what we wanted to capture with this campaign. Campo Viejo has always been trusted for its quality, but we know there’s an opportunity to show up in a more emotional, relevant way.

“For our retail partners, it’s about creating a stronger reason to choose, trade up and ultimately drive more value at shelf.”

An orange-to-green gradient ensures standout on shelf while aligning with the Original and Watermelon variants.

e uni ed design cues are intended to support premium positioning and make navigation easier for shoppers at xture.

Point of sale materials include secondary display units, cooler frame stickers and shelf strips, supported by digital assets that retailers can download from MyCCEP.com to help bring the launch to life in store.

CIDER Brothers unveils 1.2% ABV Cider Shandy range

Brothers Drinks Co. has expanded its range with the launch of a new Cider Shandy line, rolling out in time for the key cider season.

The new range comprises two 1.2% ABV variants –Classic Lemon and Dark Cherry – launching in 330ml cans. They will be sold in four-packs, with a shelf price expected to sit between £2.80 and £3.

Brothers says the variants contain real fruit and natural flavours and are designed to deliver “full on” taste while leaving “heads feeling clear”. The business also claims both flavours are lighter in calories and contain at least 30% less sugar than key alcohol-free cider competitors.

Tennent’s launches Tops

Tennent’s is preparing for warmer weather with Tennent’s Tops, a 3.4% limited-edition brew is available in 4 x 440ml packs.

e launch will be backed by digital, PR and in-store activity.

Brewed with the same Scottish ingredients and core recipe as Tennent’s Lager, Tops adds a zesty citrus twist balanced with bittering hops and extra carbonation to li the refreshment, resulting in a delicate, sessionable beer.

e limited release is positioned for summer socialising and pairs well with spicy or sweet dishes. It follows last October’s limited edition, Bavarian Pilsner.

Tennent’s has also launced a new Tennent’s Lager 18 x 330ml pack across grocery and convenience.

Hazel Alexander, Senior Brand Manager at Tennent’s, commented:

Tennent’s Zero. With more than 500 years of brewing experience we’re excited to bring new ranges to our portfolio, giving people more reasons to enjoy a Tennent’s.” Tennent’s Tops – a refreshing citrus

Estrella Damm marks 150 years with new designs Damm has unveiled seven Barcelona-themed limited-edition Estrella Damm can and bottle designs to mark the brand’s 150th anniversary. Three feature on the cans and bottles: La Sagrada Família, the Old Damm Brewery and Camp Nou Stadium. The bottles also carry four additional designs celebrating Barcelona’s beach, the city’s festivals, La Boqueria food market and skyline views.

“We’re excited to follow the success of our Bavarian Pilsner with Tennent’s Tops – a refreshing citrus twist on our beloved Tennent’s Lager.”

Alexander said that consumer demand for avoured beer is on the rise.

Deanston launches Orange Wine 17-Y-O Cask Finish

Alexander said that consumer demand looking for a reduced-alcohol beer

BEER New brand platform launches alongside 10x440ml multipack

‘Only Peroni’ rolls out

She added: “At 3.4% Tennent’s Tops will also appeal to those looking for a reduced-alcohol beer and complements our range which also includes Tennent’s Light and

BEER

Carling unveils FA Cup multipacks

Peroni Nastro Azzurro has unveiled ‘Only Peroni’, a new global brand platform live now, with a multi-channel plan aimed at driving value across the on- and o -trades.

Live activity focuses on digital channels including video on demand, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, supported by in uencer partnerships and a national out-of-home campaign.

A new 10x440ml multipack will launch in wholesale. Bestway depots will receive front-of-outlet displays and social media support.

In retail, more than 2,000 activations will run from late spring, with beer, wine and spirits aisle takeovers, digital signage and gondola ends.

Across summer 2026, Peroni Nastro Azzurro will take ‘Only Peroni’ to agship partnerships including Royal Ascot (17-20 June) and BST Hyde Park Festival (26 June-12 July), with exclusive experiences available via the Club Peroni app.

Carling has created 12 limited-edition can designs across its 4x440ml, 10x440ml and 18x440ml multipacks to help retailers drive sales around the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup.

Inspired by iconic moments from both competitions, the designs include a full ‘Starting XI’ line-up and the Emirates FA Cup trophy. Each can is intended to be collectible, with every pack carrying a QR code that links shoppers to an interactive Carling webpage featuring clips of the football moments shown on their can.

Carling said limited-edition packs have previously delivered strong off-trade engagement, citing a 45.6% uplift during its 2025 FA Cup on-pack promotion and a 68.9% uplift from its 2023 campaign.

To further support convenience retailers, Carling is giving the chance to win tickets to the Emirates FA Cup Finals at Wembley Stadium through purchase incentives at selected wholesalers and franchised partners, including Spar, Co-op Wholesale, Bestway and Unitas.

Highland distillery Deanston has unveiled a limited-edition Orange Wine 17-Year-Old Cask Finish, pairing the distillery’s signature waxy style with a two-year finish in Vino de Naranja casks from Andalucía. The release is limited to 7,000 bottles, priced at £95 for a 70cl bottle at 53.6% ABV. It follows the distillery’s recent tequila cask experiment, continuing Deanston’s push into bolder cask finishes.

Harviestoun begins £500k expansion at Alva brewery Independent Scottish craft brewer Harviestoun has started the first phase of a strategic investment programme at its Alva site, adding new warehouse and office space alongside site improvements and continued upgrades to brewing infrastructure. The initial £500,000 spend will deliver a new 600sq ft warehouse and additional office space.

Whitebox Cocktails adds Mai Tai and Clover Club

Whitebox Cocktails has expanded its range of classic cocktails with two new launches: Whitebox Mai Tai and Whitebox Clover Club. Whitebox Mai Tai (100ml; 23% ABV; RSP £5.50) stays true to the 1944 Trader Vic’s recipe that helped make tiki cocktails famous. Whitebox Clover Club (100ml; 22% ABV; RSP £5.50) is a silky, tangysweet gin cocktail rooted in pre-Prohibition America.

DOUGLAS LIDDELL

ShopMate Sales Manager, Douglas Liddell, explains how retailers can harness EPoS to better their business.

FACTFILE

In his previous role at Mondelez International as a Sales Development Executive for Cadbury, Douglas supported over 140 retailers across greater Glasgow. For the last nine months he has been putting his vast retail experience to good use in his role as Sales Manager at ShopMate. His responsibilities include managing relationships with existing customers across Scotland, while also onboarding new clients through face-to-face engagement.

WHY IS EPOS SO IMPORTANT IN TODAY’S CHALLENGING RETAIL ENVIRONMENT?

In today’s challenging retail landscape, having the right tools in place is critical to success. We understand that running a business isn’t easy, which is why our EPoS solution has been designed to simplify day-to-day operations.

From pricing and promotions to stock management and point of sale, our ShopMate EPoS system delivers a seamless, personalised experience. It enables retailers to streamline processes, improve e ciency and ultimately focus on what matters most, serving their customers.

WHY AREN’T RETAILERS USING EPOS TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL?

O en, it comes down to familiarity; retailers tend to stick with the tools and processes they already know. Without the right guidance or support, many aren’t fully aware of what modern EPoS systems are truly capable of. at’s where ShopMate stands out. We provide same-day customer support, ensuring help is always available when it’s needed. We also o er a full demonstration before retailers commit, giving them the opportunity to explore all features and bene ts rst-hand.

HOW

CAN SHOPMATE’S EPOS SYSTEM HELP RETAILERS TO GET A BETTER GRASP OF THEIR BUSINESS?

ShopMate makes running a store simpler and smarter. With real-time reports, automatic promotions, up-to-date wholesaler pricing, and expert UK-based support, retailers gain the insights and control they need to make faster, smarter decisions and stay ahead of the competition.

HOW CAN SHOPMATE HELP RETAILERS UNDERSTAND INDUSTRY TRENDS AND BENCHMARK AGAINST OTHER BUSINESSES?

ShopMate helps retailers take full control of their operations through programs like our Back O ce so ware. From managing stock and monitoring sales to accessing real-time business insights, retailers can analyse performance, spot

industry trends, and benchmark themselves against local and national competitors all from a user-friendly, cloud-based platform, accessible from anywhere. Retailers are no longer con ned to the back o ce of the store with ShopMate.

WHAT OTHER PLATFORMS CAN SHOPMATE INTEGRATE WITH TO HELP RETAILERS IMPROVE THEIR BUSINESS?

ShopMate integrates with a range of platforms to save time and drive sales. Tools like MediaMaster and Local Loyalty boost customer engagement, while Gander helps recover value from surplus stock and bring more footfall into stores. Our integrated payment solutions also make card and contactless transactions faster and easier.

Our in-house ShopMate Pay merchant services solution is a perfect example of how ShopMate brings together convenience functionality in one solution. ShopMate customers have the comfort of knowing our technical teams are available to assist, regardless of enquiry, with chip and pin payment services managed by us.

HOW IS SHOPMATE EXPANDING IN SCOTLAND?

We’re growing our presence by building brand awareness and delivering trusted, professional services in a competitive market; our reputation, experience and commitment to excellence speak for themselves. ShopMate Fuel is making it possible for Independent Forecourts to introduce ShopMate to their stores, making it easier for them to manage stock and ordering as well as their fuel sales.

WHAT ARE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF EPOS WITHIN SCOTTISH CONVENIENCE?

I see ShopMate and independent convenience retailers in Scotland continuing to grow through reputation and brand awareness. Our packages deliver exactly what they promise, and by partnering with an ever-expanding network of customers, we’re con dent that more retailers will discover and bene t from the exceptional services we o er. If you’d like any more information or just want to chat all things EPoS, give me a call on 07345 450609.

SLR AWARDS 2026: THE FULL SHORTLIST

WED 17 JUNE 2026

The shortlist for the SLR Awards 2026 has been unveiled and the in-store judging is already underway as we continue the search for this year’s local retailing stars.

Following two rounds of paper judging, the shortlist for the SLR Awards 2026 has now been published as we begin our annual search for the outstanding stores, retailers and teams in the Scottish local retailing sector.

The final phase of the judging, the on-the-road stores visits, is already underway with Scottish Local Retailer Editor Antony Begley personally visiting every store on the shortlist to guarantee consistency of judging.

He will be joined over the course of the five-to-six-week judging schedule by sponsors, independent judges and members of the SLR editorial team as we seek out the stars of 2026.

As always, we hope to uncover and share the latest thinking, the hottest innovation and the highest standards to help inspire the entire local retailing sector in Scotland and continually drive our industry forward.

Antony Begley commented: “The on-the-road judging is always a fantastic experience as it allows us to take an up-close look at some of the finest and most inspirational stores in Scotland and to find out what’s happening across the country so that we can then share it with the wider audience in the pages of SLR.

“The SLR Awards have always been about inspiring our entire sector to keep aiming higher, keep progressing and keep this vital sector as vibrant as ever.

“I and my fellow judges thoroughly look forward to visiting what is undeniably a fantastically strong shortlist of stores. Best of luck to each and every store and retailer featured on the list. Just making it onto that shortlist is already a major achievement.”

The winners will be unveiled at the SLR Awards ceremony on June 17 – and now is the time to grab your tickets to make sure you’ll be there on the night to celebrate the very best of Scottish local retailing.

2026 SHORTLIST

RETAILER

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

FORECOURT CONVENIENCE

RETAILER

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q Spar Drumgelloch

Q

RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Q Costcutter Falkirk

Q Girish’s @ Barmulloch

Q Jaz’s Premier Grangemouth

Q Spar Stenhousemuir

NEWSTRADE

RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Q Costcutter Falkirk

Q

RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Q

Q

Q

Q

SCOTTISH BRANDS

RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Q

Q

Q David’s Kitchen Kirkcaldy

Q Spar Erskine

SMOKELESS ALTERNATIVES

RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Q Day Today Overton

Q RaceTrack Strathclyde

Q Spar Greenock

SOFT DRINKS

RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Q Premier DUSA

Q RaceTrack Strathclyde

Q Ravenspark Filling Station (Morrisons Daily)

Q Spar Kilbowie Rd, Clydebank

COMMUNITY

RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Q Day Today Haddington / Premier Dunbar

Q Lochcarron Food Centre

Q Loch Lomond News, Balloch OFF-TRADE

NEW STORE OF THE YEAR

Q David’s Kitchen Bo’ness

Q Go Local Extra Lockerbie

Q Greens on the Go – Morrison St, Edinburgh

Q Spar Ladybank

REFIT OF THE YEAR

Q Londis Solo Convenience Store, Baillieston

Q Spar Eastriggs

Q Day Today Hay Avenue, Niddrie

Q Gibsons Premier, Glasgow

Q Lochcarron Food Centre

Q Premier New Elgin Service Station

SUSTAINABILITY

RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Q Costcutter Coylton

Q Premier DUSA

Q Spar Market Crosshouse

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Q Spar Denny

Q Spar Eastriggs

Q Spar Kincaidston

#THINKSMART INNOVATION AWARD

Q Day Today Anniesland Rd, Glasgow

Q RaceTrack Wishaw

Q Spar Market Crosshouse

£6k-PER-STORE DRS GRANT SCHEME UNVEILED

DRS administrator Exchange For Change has unveiled plans that will see smaller independent retailers eligible for £6,000 grants to fund the purchase of reverse vending machines.

BY FINDLAY STEIN

Exchange For Change, the administrator for the new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), is developing a targeted grant initiative to help small, independent retailers cover the upfront costs of installing reverse vending machines (RVMs) as the DRS is rolled out.

e grant mirrors an initiative that was successfully run in Ireland and is aimed at those retailers that will be required to host return points and where an RVM is considered the most appropriate solution based on expected return volumes. Funding would sit alongside the Return Handling Fee (RHF).

Under the proposal, the grant would be worth £6,000 per site, paid over three years as three annual payments of £2,000. e rst payment would be made around three months a er implementation. Exchange For Change plans to set aside £60m to fund grants over the rst three years of scheme operation.

e grant is intended to help with the initial capital outlay of RVM installation, improve the viability of participation for smaller retailers and support a well-distributed return point network. Exchange For Change said the overall funding envelope, detailed eligibility criteria and operational performance requirements will be developed further.

Exchange For Change has also set out its proposed approach to return point exemptions. Under regulations, retailers in urban areas with a retail

WELSH RETAILERS ‘STILL IN THE DARK’ ON DRS

space under 100m² would be automatically exempt from operating a return point, though they could choose to host one. It is also exploring additional exemption conditions for other retailers, including factors such as proximity to alternative local return points and constraints linked to space and layout, health, safety or hygiene risks, building restrictions and utilities or infrastructure limitations.

Further detail on eligibility criteria and application processes for exemptions, full terms and conditions of the grant scheme and additional retailer guidance is expected over the coming weeks.

e Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) welcomed the news and reiterated its call for the scheme to be cost neutral for retailers, warning that a scheme that costs retailers money will result in more sites seeking exemptions and community access to return points su ering as a result.

ACS Chief Executive Ed Woodall said: “It is essential that local shops are not penalised for hosting return points, so we welcome the introduction of grants for the smallest retailers and a more proportionate approach to exemptions. Retailers need clarity on the net costs of the scheme to be able to make a decision on how they take part.

“If grants and handling fees are not set at the right level, the scheme risks failing not just the retailers expected to deliver it, but the communities they serve, by undermining convenient access for consumers to recycle containers and redeem deposits.”

The clock is ticking for the Welsh Government, which has so far failed to appoint a Deposit Management Organisation (DMO), despite the Deposit Return Scheme being due to go live in under 18 months.

Exchange for Change was the only applicant to oversee operational design and delivery of the scheme in Wales, but that application was refused by the Welsh Government.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) Chief Executive Ed Woodall said: “It is extremely concerning to see the Welsh Government fail to make progress on the appointment of the scheme administrator, especially as their proposed scheme is more complex and more costly than that coming into force in the rest of the UK.

“Retailers in Wales are the ones that are going to have to make this scheme work, but with less than 18 months to go they’re still in the dark about how and if it’s going to be viable.”

A LOOK INSIDE…

GIRISH’S COSTCUTTER

SLR was there on the day Glasgow retailer Girish Jeeva officially unveiled his new 24-hour Costcutter store.

Forward-thinking Glasgow retailer Girish Jeeva relaunched his Barmulloch store last month following a £100,000 investment and SLR was there for a look.

e revamped store boasts a new layout, a bigger food to go o er and a major fresh and chilled overhaul. Girish is hopeful that the changes will enable him to grow weekly turnover from £75-£80,000 to £100,000 before the end of 2026.

e fresh and chilled range has expanded by over 50% from 12m to 18.5m. Alongside a vastly increased fruit and veg o er, the store features a strong selection of fresh meat and sh, providing plenty of ‘meal for tonight’ options.

e new o er includes an increase in healthier lines including healthy ready meals, protein milkshakes and protein bars. Customers looking to treat themselves are also catered for with a new Equi’s so scoop ice cream counter.

e shop’s food-to-go area is bigger and better with Rollover hot dogs, Frozen Fanta and Costa Co ee all part of the mix.

Chilled food to go has welcomed the addition of handmade Highland sandwiches, wraps,

salad bowls, and cheesecakes avoured with popular confectionery brands including Oreo, White Kinder Bueno and Maltesers, as well as Scottish tablet.

e store has moved to 24-hour opening and continues to o er 24-hour deliveries with Snappy Shopper.

e shop’s beer cave has been rebranded ‘Booze’ and further down the line Girish plans to become a dual-branded Costcutter Bargain Booze outlet with a specialist beers, wines and spirits store-within-a-store concept.

Jamie Davison, Retail Director at Bestway Retail, attended the ribbon cutting. He said: “Retailers like Girish embody the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of Costcutter. We’re proud to be supporting his ambitions and look forward to a very successful partnership.”

Costcutter Regional Controller, Rich Hague, said: “Girish’s store relaunch was awesome! Over 30 suppliers helped out, and I’m super proud of how hard everyone worked to make it happen. e numbers are great, and working with Girish’s team has been a real pleasure.”

VAPE RETAILERS UNDER FIRE AFTER GLASGOW BLAZE

The recent devastating fire on Union Street in Glasgow has raised major concerns around the safety of vape stores and has led to multiple calls for action.

BY SARAH BRITTON

The recent inferno which started in a vape shop in Glasgow has thrown the spotlight onto the safety of vape shops and led to a ood of demands for action to prevent a similar disaster in future, something which may impact upon legitimate stores selling vaping products. e re raged through Glasgow’s Union Street, destroying multiple outlets and causing Glasgow Central Station to close for 10 days.

At its height, 18 re appliances and specialist resources attended the re, which was rst reported at 3.46pm on Sunday 8 March. Close to 300 re ghters were involved in tackling the incident over the course of four days and the horri c ordeal has pushed the perceived lack of regulation in vape retail much further up the priorities list for the public and for Scottish politicians.

Following the incident, it has come to light that the vape store where the re started was not paying non-domestic rates and was not registered on the Tobacco & Vape Retail Register.

First Minister’s Questions on 12 March saw Scottish Labour Leader and MSP for Glasgow, Anas Sarwar, ask John Swinney what urgent

lessons the government would learn from the incident.

e First Minister pledged to review the regulations on vape premises. He said: “ ere is regulation in place. ere is more regulation being actively pursued by the UK government which will a ect Scotland and which we are party to that regulation.

“We will also be looking to identify what further steps are required to ensure that there is proper and e ective regulation of these premises that are taken forward.”

e Scottish Greens wasted no time in renewing long-standing calls for stronger regulation of vape retailers.

Scottish Greens Co-Leader, Gillian Mackay, said: “ e age of shops selling products containing lithium-ion batteries facing fewer checks than a corner shop selling alcohol, must end.

“ e Scottish Greens have been clear when it comes to vapes – the Scottish Government must introduce a robust licensing scheme that gives local councils the power to refuse licences, enforce safety standards and take action against businesses that break the rules.”

Glasgow City Council says it will push for greater regulations on vape shops and the storage of lithium-ion batteries following the re and will call on the Scottish Government to strengthen rules around the sale and storage of these products.

SAFETY FIRST

Mo Razzaq, owner of Premier Mo’s Blantyre, and former National President of the Federation of Independent Retailers, urged for retail safety to be taken seriously.

“For years, the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has called for stronger enforcement and better resourcing for Trading Standards,” he said.

He highlighted that over 1.2 million illicit vapes were seized in the UK in 2023–2024 [National Trading Standards gures], and that in some checks one in three vapes tested were illegal or non-compliant. “At the same time, Trading Standards sta ng has fallen by more than 50% since 2010,” he claimed. “Illicit vapes mean unknown battery safety, build quality and chemical contents.

“Responsible retailers follow the rules – but rogue operators put everyone at risk.

“We need proper enforcement, stronger action on illicit products, and lithium-ion re extinguishers in vape shops to protect businesses, workers and the public.”

e UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has written to re authorities across the UK, stating that the trade body is keen to work with the re service nationally, alongside

other relevant authorities and bodies responsible for ensuring the safety of retail environments, to help prevent any recurrence.

John Dunne, UKVIA Director General, said: “While we await the outcome of the investigation into the cause of the re, we would very much welcome the opportunity to engage with the National Fire Chiefs Council to ensure that, in the meantime, we are doing everything possible to advise our retail members on any immediate steps they should take to con rm that appropriate safety measures are in place in their premises.

“We are already aware of retail members having sent circulars to their stores immediately following the re to reiterate re and battery safety measures.”

Once the cause is known, he claimed UKVIA would welcome the opportunity to work closely with the National Fire Chiefs Council and the relevant authorities to identify any lessons arising from the Glasgow incident that can be learnt to ensure that such an event does not happen again.

UKVIA has also been working with the British government on the introduction of a mandatory retail licensing scheme, proposed as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which is currently before Parliament. “ is goes beyond the Scottish registration scheme, and we believe it could provide an e ective mechanism for supporting robust compliance with re safety requirements in vape retail stores across the UK in the future,” said Dunne.

EXPERT ADVICE

In the meantime, waste experts BusinessWaste.

co.uk have highlighted the dangers of vaperelated res, following the incident.

When vapes are [wrongly] disposed of in household bins, they can lead to res in bin trucks and at waste management sites, posing a huge risk to workers and the public, warned the business waste management and collection rm.

Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries that can overheat and ignite when damaged or crushed. If vapes enter bin lorries or waste management facilities, this is common because waste is compressed, stated the company.

Any retailer who sells vapes must o er a free takeback service. is means providing a vape bin in store or at the place of sale in an accessible place for customers. Shops need to use signage and posters to make customers aware that they can recycle vape products in store.

Retailers can arrange collection of the vapes from an approved recycler or WEEE compliance scheme. Store owners are required to keep records of the number of vape units collected and passed on to the vape collection service provider.

For further information on vape compliance, go to the Scottish Grocers’ Federation website (sgfscot.co.uk) and download ‘SGF Retailers’ Guide: Regulations for Vaping & Tobacco Compliance – May 2025’.

e O ce for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) enforces the collection of vapes and other electrical products. You can be prosecuted and get an unlimited ne if you do not comply with the WEEE regulations.

Mark Hall, WEEE expert at BusinessWaste. co.uk, said of the Glasgow re: “It serves as a poignant reminder of the re hazards associated with vapes. e ban on disposable vapes was certainly a step in the right direction. While a reusable vape is still the preferred option, the lack of education on correct disposal means we’re likely to see vape-related bin and waste res continue.”

Twister Frrreeze Magnum Ice Cream Co.

This new peach, raspberry-apple and orange ice lolly leaves a long-lasting cooling sensation after eating and is available in packs of 4 x 80ml, RSP £2.75. Running until July, an on-pack promotion gives shoppers the chance to win a trip to Disneyland Paris.

Schweppes Cherry Pepper Soda CCEP

Pringles and Burger King team up to launch two new flavours

Pringles and Burger King have teamed up to launch two new limited-edition flavours.

Non-HFSS Pringles x Burger King Bacon

Double Cheese XL Flavour and Pringles x Burger King Chicken Royale Flavour will be available until the end of September.

Pringles x Burger King Chicken Royale Flavour promises the taste of “a burst of juicy fried chicken, layered with fresh mayo and lettuce, a touch of salt and vinegar, and finished with the subtly sweet flavour of Burger King’s iconic buns”.

Meanwhile, Pringles x Burger King Bacon

Double Cheese XL Flavour “puts juicy flamegrilled beef at the forefront, with subtle hints of bacon, followed by delicious notes of creamy melted cheese and a touch of sweetness inspired by the bun”.

The new flavour combines juicy sour cherry with a delicate black pepper kick. It rolls out in 150ml 12-can multipacks at RSP £6.30, designed for regular at-home consumption and occasion-led purchases. Integrated support spans social media, influencer partnerships, PR and out of home, with free POS available via MyCCEP (app and online).

Lyle’s Golden Syrup Ice Cream Tate & Lyle Sugars

Lyle’s Golden Syrup Ice Cream with Gooey Syrup Swirls, comes in 500g tubs with an RSP of £4.75. It has launched exclusively into Iceland ahead of a wider rollout. A second variant, Lyle’s Golden Syrup Ice Cream with Honeycomb Pieces, will extend the range this year. Each recipe is made with blended fresh British milk and rich double cream, with generous ripples of Lyle’s Golden Syrup throughout.

Designed with the convenience channel in mind, the range launches with a £2 PMP available through Booker, Bestway and leading buying groups, as well as One Stop, Spar and Nisa. Plain packs will also be available, rolling out across all major supermarkets.

Shoppers can also use their empty tubes to redeem a buy-one-get-one-free offer in Burger King restaurants. On-pack QR codes lead to a unique voucher code that lets anyone buying a Chicken Royale or Bacon Double Cheese XL get a second for free.

Robinsons Star Wars Carlsberg Britvic

Billed as the UK’s first ready-to-drink soya-coconut-based matcha drink, Alpro Matcha is on shelves now in Sainsbury’s, with wider distribution by June. Made with green tea matcha and a soya-coconut base for a creamy texture and tropical taste, the drink can be poured over ice, warmed or foamed, and is fortified with five essential nutrients. The 1L format is priced at £2.75 RSP.

Two limited editions mark the release of ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’: Mango-Lorian Blast (Starfruit & Mango) and Beskar Berry Blend (Pomegranate & Blackberry). Both are available in Robinsons Double Concentrate 1l, featuring ‘intergalactic sparkle’; Robinsons Ready-to-Drink plain and price-marked packs; and Fruit Shoot eight-packs.

Volcanix combines bold flavours and textures in a distinctive format aimed at adventurous shoppers, blending layers of crunchy chocolatey biscuit coating, smooth vanilla and chocolate ice cream, a core of rich caramel sauce and chocolatecoated caramel rocks. It is available exclusively at Tesco Express stores and via Booker as an 80ml single stick (RSP £2) in cases of 24.

Volvic Vitamin+ Danone

Volvic Vitamin+ is available in 75cl PET bottles with an RSP of £2.20. The lineup launches with two targeted functional variants designed around specific needs: Recharge Raspberry, with magnesium and vitamins B5, B6 and C to help reduce tiredness and fatigue; and Active Peach, with magnesium and vitamins B5, B7 and C to support normal energy-yielding metabolism.

blu Sour Berry Imperial Brands

Pizza Twists Rollover

Sour Berry is available in two formats. The blu bar kit offers 1,000 puffs per prefilled, replaceable pod and is compatible with the wider blu pod range. The blu pod pack contains two replacement pods, delivering a total of 2,000 puffs per pod pack. Sour Berry has been developed to deliver an “authentic flavour profile of wild berries”, sharpened by tartness. Its launch takes the total number of blu flavours to 17.

DELIA Heated Tobacco Sticks

Philip Morris Limited

The range is designed exclusively for use with IQOS ILUMA devices. A £6 RSP creates a new tier within the ILUMA consumables portfolio to appeal to more price-sensitive adult smokers. There are three variants available – Full Flavour, Balanced and Menthol – with “simple, nonaromatic flavour profiles” intended to complement the existing ILUMA portfolio. A “cigarette-inspired” pack format makes it easier to navigate the range.

Margherita and Pepperoni Pizza Twists are available now with an RSP from £3.50 per 180g twist. Made and stone-baked in Italy using Italian tomatoes, the twists offer a distinctive addition that stands out among wider pizza offerings. Striking green and red packaging reinforces the range’s Italian roots while driving shelf impact and visibility. A suite of POS including posters, shelf barkers, wobblers, digital assets and more is available.

Président Crème Fraîche

Lactalis UK & Ireland

Available in a 200ml resealable tub with an RSP of £1.55, the product brings a premium, authentically French offer to the chilled cream fixture. Made in Normandy, it is designed to deliver a rich, thick texture that stays stable and smooth when heated, adding a creamy finish to both savoury and sweet dishes. The new SKU will be supported by in-store activation at launch, including POS and shopper education to drive awareness and inspire usage.

Summer Berries

Highland Spring

Summer Berries launches alongside a second addition to Highland Springs flavoured still water portfolio, Orange & Passionfruit. Summer Berries is available in 1.25L PET recyclable (cap on) bottles, while Orange & Passionfruit comes in 1.25L and 750ml formats. A £2m marketing campaign supports the launch, including out-ofhome advertising and national sampling.

Rice of life

Tilda’s biggest brand campaign to date, ‘Live Like You Mean It’, spans TV, broadcaster video on demand, YouTube, radio and podcasts, and is expected to reach 65% of UK adults. Through emotive storytelling, relatable humour and food-led creative, the campaign shows how Tilda can turn everyday meals into something a little more special.

Pop-up radio

‘Pop up your afternoon’ is KP Snacks’ new radio-led push for popchips spanning Capital’s radio, digital and social channels. The campaign includes audio ads voiced by brand ambassador and pop star Tom Grennan, monthly competitions, and a social video hosted by Capital’s Will Manning and singer-songwriter Mimi Webb.

Masking jape

Chupa Chups has launched a new campaign to promote its new easy-to-open wrappers. Using the tagline ‘No more wrestling,’ the activity leans heavily into Mexican wrestling culture, with ‘Lucha Libra’ masks created for three of the brand’s flavours. The campaign runs across out-of-home advertising, including flyposting, and social media.

Juiced up

Sanpellegrino has launched ‘Life is Juicier’, a new international campaign that seeks to connect the brand with the vitality and pleasure of an authentic Italian lifestyle. The campaign is spearheaded by a 30-second hero film shot in the picturesque Sicilian town of Cefalú – where some of the fruit used by the brand is grown.

Soft serve, hard sell

AG Barr has launched a new campaign to mark the permant return of its Irn-Bru Ice Cream variant. Two films introduce Mr Softie, a somewhat contradictory ice cream man who is “hard as girders on the outside, but with a sweet soft side on the inside”. The campaign runs across social media and out-of-home advertising in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

WORLD CUP

Be a winner

Get ready to net some top sales this summer with a winning range of products and pack sizes.

It’s been 28 years in the making, but Scotland has once more produced a World Cup qualifying team and there’s no way the nation is letting the moment pass without a proper celebration. Indeed, King Charles has already approved an extra bank holiday for Scotland on Monday 15 June a er the team’s rst match against Haiti the day before on Sunday 14 June, which could provide some precious extra time for retailers to cash in.

Dr Charles Nimoh, Lecturer in Economics at the University of Salford, says: “ e announcement of a bank holiday ahead of Scotland’s opening match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 would not be merely a patriotic gesture during football fever. It would turn an ordinary Monday into one of the most commercially vibrant days of the year.”

He claims that historical data from previous tournaments demonstrates the scale of the opportunity. “During the last World Cup, Irn-Bru delivered an increase of 10% in incremental category volume, and at the previous Euros, it was the second-biggest national brand in its category. A bank holiday weekend would channel consumer appetite directly into supermarkets, o -licences and high street retailers nationwide, with double-digit percentage increases in relevant categories during the preceding week.”

BIG NIGHT IN BECKONS

During the last major football event in 2024, one in ve households planned to buy extra FMCG items, with beer and cider among the biggest winners [Nielsen IQ, Homescan Attitudes to retailers’ survey May 2024], highlights Aston Manor Cider.

“With 69% of occasions now taking place in the home [IGD ShopperVista research 2025, 1000+ GB shoppers, monthly], major sporting events t closely with current consumer behaviour,” says Natalie Marshall, Trade Marketing Manager. While some xtures fall at unsociable hours for UK shoppers [Scotland’s rst match is at 2am!], there are still clear opportunities to create Big Night In-style occasions around key evening and weekend matches, she observes. “People still want the excitement and social element of live sport, but they’re recreating it at home in a way that feels a ordable and accessible.”

Marshall claims that’s when larger take-home formats, such as Crumpton Oaks 2.5l PET, and multipacks, such as the brand’s 4x568ml pack, become especially important. “In a market under pressure, shoppers

are prioritising brands that deliver quality, value and reassurance,” she says.

BrewDog is o ering value with its new price-marked lines. Cold Beer (3.4% ABV) is price-marked at £5.49 for 4×568ml cans, while Lost Lager (4.5% ABV) 4×568ml packs are price-marked at £7.25.

Jonny Leece, Impulse Sales Director, says: “With PMP accounting for 55% of 4-pack sales in impulse, it made sense to launch these new packs as an extension of our PMP o ering, to help o er value to the end consumer, whilst also delivering stability for retailers with a consistent price across the channel.”

Heineken UK is con dent that multipacks will sell well during the tournament. “During the 2024 Euros, the best-performing beer and cider SKUs were Foster’s (18x440ml, 10x440ml and 4x440ml), Birra Moretti (1x660ml) and Strongbow Original (18x440ml),” says Category & Commercial Strategy Director Alexander Wilson. “18-pack variants perform particularly well with those hosting watch parties and gatherings.”

He claims that beer and cider sales are more likely to spike during big sporting events. “Ahead of England’s match against Slovakia in the 2024 Euros, beer and cider sales peaked at £164m, which saw an overall increase of 13.5%. ere was also a 6% increase in overall spend per buyer compared to the year before [Kantar 4 we to 14th July 2024].”

SNACKTASTIC SALES

PepsiCo highlights that snacking is another key area to focus on as the World Cup ampli es the already popular Big Night In occasion. e rm’s Walkers brand is the O cial Snack Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“We’re introducing the Walkers ‘Fan of the Match’ program – a groundbreaking initiative that recognises real fans and gives them the opportunity of a lifetime: to watch their national team compete at the FIFA World Cup 2026,” says Wholesale Controller Ed Merrett.

Snacks will be big business during the tournament, concurs KP Snacks, which recently launched McCoy’s Coated Peanuts. Stuart Graham, Head of Convenience and Impulse, notes that 58% of consumers say they plan to buy snacks around major sporting events like the World Cup [Bauer Media Outdoor Sporting Intentions Study, March 2024].

“Even in an environment where consumers look to economise, events like watching the World Cup at home create strong opportunities for retailers to drive both sales and footfall, as friends and family get together to tune in to the matches,” he says.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t get caught napping, start preparations now and make sure you’re match ready to make the most of this mega event.

CAUSING A SUMMER BUZZ

An endless stream of flavour launches and marketing investment means Sports & Energy Drinks sales are set to surge this summer.

BY SARAH BRITTON

It’s no secret that the Sports & Energy subcategory is fuelling So Drinks, which was the only major category to deliver meaningful value and volume growth within UK convenience in 2025, according to a recent report from Talysis.

Sports & Energy makes up over two- hs of so drinks value sales within the convenience sector and, with a constant stream of new product and avour launches, there’s plenty of activity to keep consumers thirsty for more.

“Monster is known for its action-packed innovation pipeline and is delivering greater value and volume growth than any other energy drink brand in GB [Nielsen GB, Total Coverage, L52wks to 24.01.26],” says Kate Abbotson, Senior External Communications Manager at Coca-Cola Europaci c Partners (CCEP).

Zero Added Sugar Cherry Raspberry.

Within Sports & Energy, Monster delivered the fastest growth (+£92m) and featured in half of the top 20 lines, while Red Bull appeared in six of the top 20, including the top three bestselling SKUs, claims Talysis.

Sports & Energy has accelerated again in 2026, claims the retail data analyst. Year to date (to 1 March 2026), the sub-category’s share of so drinks stands at 44.4% versus 42.6% in the same period last year. at equates to £254m in Sports & Energy sales year to date versus £230m last year, as the segment continues to outpace the wider category.

Fantasy Ruby Red, while equates

Talysis reports that Monster led So Drinks’ NPD performance in 2025, accounting for three of the top ve new product launches in the category. Based on rate of sale and distribution across the UK convenience channel, Talysis claims that the three standout Monster launches were Lando Norris, Rio Punch and Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red, while Lucozade Sport Jude Ice Kick was also highlighted as a top launch.

CHAMPIONING CHERRY

ere’s plenty of activity on the NPD front. Rubicon RAW revealed two new variants in March: Cherry Burst and

Lisa McKenna, Rubicon Brand Director at AG Barr, says: “Rubicon RAW brings a fresh point of di erence to the energy xture, combining big, bold avours with real fruit juice and natural ca eine to tap into evolving shopper demand.

“With innovation driving 62% of energy category growth last year [Circana, Value Sales, 52 w.e. 24 January, Total Coverage] and demand for cherry- avoured energy drinks soaring, these new avours o er retailers a strong opportunity to attract new shoppers, drive incremental sales and increase basket spend.”

She adds that some of the fastest growth in the category is coming from “natural energy” [Circana, Value Sales, 52 w.e. 24 January, Total Coverage].

To drive strong consumer awareness and sustained demand, the brand will be supported throughout 2026 with an enhanced always-on

WIIINGS FOR YOUR SUMMER.

“Sports & Energy makes up over two-fifths of soft drinks value sales within the convenience sector.”

social media campaign reaching 8.8 million consumers.

is will be complemented by high-footfall sampling activity designed to drive trial, encourage repeat purchase and create additional pull-through in store, helping retailers bene t from increased shopper tra c and rate of sale.

Red Bull has also jumped on the cherry choochoo with its Spring Edition, which launched in February. e Cherry Sakura avour comes in a white can with subtle pink accents, re ecting the iconic Japanese cherry blossom that it is named a er. e cherry taste is described as “ oral, refreshing and fruity”, and consumers are already reacting positively to the new avour, with 78% saying a cherry- avoured energy drink was appealing [Vypr sample: 106 energy drink consumers, January 2025].

“Although core SKUs drive the most value, summer is a key time to engage the in ux of new shoppers through NPD, to drive incremental sales,” says Red Bull. “ e success of last year’s Summer Edition is evidence of this, driving +66% more value than the prior year’s Summer Edition. In fact, Red Bull Summer Edition was one of the most successful NPDs across FMCG last year, ranked #5 in weekly sales [Nielsen Total FMCG data to 06.12.2025].”

CO-DRIVER TO PROVIDE WINNING FORMULA

the rst time the brand will o er a 473ml PMP

e brand has established a strong shopper base using the accessible 250ml can as the hero price-marked format to drive trial. However, as more shoppers buy into Red Bull Editions, the rm realised that there was an opportunity for a larger pack format too. “For the rst time the brand will o er a 473ml PMP format on its Editions range as well as 250ml,” says a spokesperson. “ is maintains the entry point for new consumers as well as providing loyal shoppers the opportunity to trade up.”

In January, Red Bull launched Co-Driver, Fuelled by Red Bull – a collaborative category approach to the future of soft drinks. The Soft Drinks category is predicted to almost double in value by 2030, and the traditional soft drinks landscape is evolving. The Co-Driver initiative aims to understand the 2030 shopper and turn insight into sales. By identifying the challenges that retailers face every day, Co-Driver will be by their side, helping them to sell smarter and faster by providing growth hacks, top insights and a dedicated WhatsApp for real-time updates and expert advice.

providing loyal shoppers the

Red Bull Spring Edition with the taste of Cherry Sakura is a full-sugar variant, and available now, in single 250ml (plain and PMP), 355ml and 473ml (plain and PMP) cans, as well as 4 x 250ml can multipack.

CITRUS RUSH

e Red Bull launch follows hot on the heels of Boost’s Zero Sugar Energy Citrus Zest, which hit shelves at the start of the year, along with Zero Sugar Energy Dark Fruits and Limited Edition Energy White Peach. All three 250ml cans are price marked at 75p and will be supported by a multi-million-pound brand campaign across UK and Ireland. e activity will position the brand as a “no-brainer” in the drinks category, with a strong focus on low cost and high avour and functionality. Running until July 2026, the campaign features out-of-home advertising, digital and social media as well as on-the-street sampling of over 500,000 consumers. It will attract its core audience of 18-34-year-olds, reaching over 20 million consumers.

Retailers and wholesalers can access CoDriver at multiple touchpoints, with insight and advice shared across the trade press, through media and trade body partnerships, as well as promotional material handed out at trade and customer events. Additionally, Co-Driver will engage directly with retailers, asking them to share positive experiences they have had by implementing changes to drive their soft drinks growth.

But Red Bull isn’t stopping there. Last month saw the launch of its new Summer Edition. Red Bull Summer Edition Citrus Zest is also inspired by Japan, featuring Sudachi lime avour.

Lisa McKenna, Boost Brand Director at AG Barr, says: “We have always championed value, bringing great-tasting functionality at a great price. Boost is not about high-octane activities, we represent those who need energy for their everyday needs – the Mondays, not mountains. So, like our name, we are straight up and embrace our simplicity so that we can deliver the best quality and best value for shoppers – truly a no-brainer choice.”

IRN-BRU ENERGY RETURNS

AG Barr’s Irn-Bru Energy, which made its debut in 2019, is back on shelves in 500ml cans. Available in Original and Zero Sugar variants, the drink contains taurine, caffeine and B vitamins to deliver an energy boost.

The product is designed to appeal to shoppers who love the distinctive taste of Irn-Bru but seek additional functionality. It is expected to be especially appealing to shoppers in Scotland due to its powerful heritage and loyal fanbase.

Kenny Nicholson, Irn-Bru Brand Director at AG Barr, said: “Energy drinks remain one of the most dynamic parts of the soft drinks category, and retailers know just how important it is to get the range right.

“We’re bringing back Irn-Bru Energy to deliver the iconic flavour people love into the energy category, giving shoppers something genuinely different while delivering strong incremental sales for retailers.”

But Boost isn’t alone in its zesty quest to o er a refreshing value-formoney energy o er.

Relentless, which claims to be the number one energy drinks brand in the a ordable energy sub-category [NIQ, Total Coverage, Value Sales, MAT to 24.01.26], has just expanded its presence with a White Citrus variant. Citrus is the number one avour pro le in energy drinks, claims Abbotson [Innova 2024 European Taste Trends].

e launch is backed by in uencer and ambassador partnerships, instore sampling and brand takeovers at key music and cultural events – building on the brand’s longstanding association with the music scene.

Convenience retailers can also drive excitement in store with Relentless White Citrus POS materials and digital downloads, available from MyCCEP.com.

Rob Yeomans, Vice-President, Commercial Development at CCEP GB, says: “ e energy drinks category continues to boom and is now worth more than £2.4bn in GB and growing, with innovation key to driving this momentum. When we launched Relentless Guava last year, it delivered over £2.4m in its rst year – and we anticipate White Citrus to be just as much a hit with consumers too.

“With 67% of energy drinkers preferring chilled products, we’re encouraging retailers to

give White Citrus prominent chiller space and use our POS materials to maximise visibility at launch.”

e full Relentless line-up, comprising White Citrus, Origin, Cherry and Guava, is available in £1 PMP 500ml cans.

Rockstar is also keen to show o its value credentials. To o er better value to shoppers and to help retailers encourage basket spend, Rockstar Energy launched a price-marked pack (PMP) proposition across its range. “Rockstar’s 2 for £2 PMP aims to provide greater value for shoppers, particularly appealing to frequent energy drink buyers,” says Ben Parker, VP Sales O -Trade, Carlsberg Britvic.

e price-marked pack was rolled out across the entire range, including Tropical Guava, Blueberry Pomegranate, Mango, and several Zero Sugar options, including Blueberry, Watermelon & Kiwi, and Strawberry & Lime.

Retailers who tap into the latest avours and trends, while successfully communicating value, can power up sales in their Sports & Energy Drinks range this summer.

Ed Roberts, MD of Talysis, concludes: “Convenience retailers are ideally placed to take full advantage of the opportunities within this sub-category, and should maximise sales via chilled availability and impulse-led execution.”

your Sales a Very

CHERRY ENERGY BLAST

CHERRY FLAVOURED SOFT DRINKS HAVE ADDED £62M TO SOFT DRINKS IN THE LAST TWO YEARS*

SHOW THEM THE WAY

Educating consumers on different smoking alternatives can unlock sales growth.

BY SARAH BRITTON

The next-generation nicotine opportunity is there for the taking for retailers who are willing to put in the work. Total UK nicotine pouch sales have now reached £205.6m and are growing by 60% year on year [IRI Marketplace, value and volume sales, 52 w/e 21 December 2025].

Ensuring that sta are clued up on what they are selling is a must, according to Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) UK. “Sta training is always important, but particularly in this category as pouches are still fairly new,” says Head of Marketing, Prianka Jhingan. “Our reps can train sta members in-store on the avours and strengths of our nicotine pouch range and how they can all be individually suited to di erent consumer need states.”

LEARNING CURVE

conversion, particularly as misconceptions are highest amongst smokers who have never tried alternatives,” says a spokesperson.

Since the disposable vape ban, education has become an even more crucial tool.

“Many users still refer to pre lled pod kits as ‘disposables’. By prioritising education and focusing on distinguishable, future-proof formats, like nicotine salts, retailers can steer the category to a more stable future,” says a spokesperson.

“Retailers who successfully integrate e-liquids and pouches into an education-led strategy will be best placed to drive basket spend, adapt to shi ing consumer habits and remain competitive in an increasingly regulated market.”

Education will be “the de ning factor” in the next phase of nicotine retail, claims e Klinsmann Partnership, developer of Bar Juice 5000 e-liquids and the SNÜ nicotine pouch range. e rm points to recent data from ASH, which shows that 50% of smokers believe vaping is as harmful as or more harmful than smoking. “Education is one of the most underutilised drivers of

Imperial Brands UK agrees that education is key. “It’s important to remember that not every customer who walks into a store is an experienced vaper, so retailers and sta that can provide relevant information and advice will help customers make an informed purchasing decision and ultimately build trust in the store,” says Marketing Manager Andrew Malm. e rm’s Ignite app provides retailers with up-to-date category, legislation and product news via bite-sized one-minute reads. “Retailers can also ensure their sta stay informed with pointers to relevant sta training

opportunities, and access exclusive o ers or incentives to drive sales,” adds Malm. Staying abreast of bestselling and trending avours is also essential for success in vapes and pouches. e predominant avour in the pouch category is mint but fruity avours are proving increasingly popular with consumers too, claims STG UK. At the beginning of March, the rm announced a rebrand of XQS, which is the sixth-biggest pouch brand in the UK. New packs will continue to have nicotine strength indicators on the front, but they will also have a new avour pro le indicator on the side, showing consumers the degree to which each SKU is sweet, fresh, zesty, tangy or icy.

“Our current bestsellers are the Tropical and Black Cherry avours, which were two of the earlier avours to launch, while other particularly popular ones to call out at the moment would be Arctic Freeze and Strawberry Kiwi,” says Jhingan. “ e strength is moderate at 8mg for most avours, which are catered to regular nicotine users.”

VAPE DUTY: THE FACTS

The law on vapes is changing and from 1 October, retailers must pay Vaping Products Duty and abide by the government’s Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme.

The duty rate is £2.20 per 10ml and applies to any bottle, cartridge or pod containing vaping liquids –including nicotine-free variants.

So if, for example, a retailer sells a 2ml + 10ml pod kit for £6.99, the new Vape Duty would add £2.64, meaning that the new price from 1 October becomes £9.63.

Equally, if a store sells 10ml of e-liquid for £3.99, then the duty equates to £2.20, so price from 1 October totals £6.19.

All non-duty-liable stock must be sold through before 1 April 2027, after which point it will be illegal to sell unstamped products.

All vaping products will feature Duty Stamps – small, highly secure labels attached to the box or bottle packaging – which show that the product is legal, in addition to VAT. The stamps are required to be rectangular, 18mm in width and 42mm in length. Transitional stamps will be available until 31 August, though they cannot be applied after this date.

Vaping Duty Stamps will also have a digital feature, such as a QR code.

If you flout the rules and sell duty-liable stock for which duty has not been paid or that does not carry a Duty Stamp after the rules have come into force, you could receive a large fine and a possible prison sentence in the most serious cases.

HMRC will also be able to seize any legitimate stock found alongside unstamped goods.

Email vapingproductsduty@ hmrc.gov.uk for further advice and to be added to the official communications list.

FRUITFUL FINDINGS

Imperial Brands’ Zone range also o ers plenty of fruity avours.

Zone comes in Sweet Mint, Cool Mint, Watermelon Ice, Juicy Peach and Berry Blast avours. Imperial states that 9–12mg strength products currently account for 43.4% of the nicotine pouch market [EPoS data October 2021 – June 2025] and Zone is available in 10mg nicotine strength across all its avours. Cool Mint and Berry Blast are also available in a higher 11mg nicotine strength variety.

ex-smokers transition, according to El ar, which has claimed that restricting avour choices [a potential outcome of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill] could disrupt established quitting behaviours, increasing the likelihood of relapse among former smokers.

Flavour also plays an important role in vape pod-based customers’ purchasing decisions. Fruit- avoured vapes remain by far the most popular, being a choice for 64% of vape users [VapeHub study of preferred avours, June 2025], followed by menthol, mint and mint-combo avours, states Imperial, which recently introduced Creamy Tobacco to its Blu bar kit. e new avour has been developed following Imperial’s research which revealed growing demand for tobacco-inspired options among users of pod-based systems – particularly former cigarette smokers who enjoy the taste of tobacco, as well as those who both smoke and vape, in the 29–41 age group.

Fruit and sweet avours are increasingly critical to helping Scottish smokers and

New research from the vape giant shows fruit and other sweet avours have seen an 82% increase in popularity in Scotland among adult vapers quitting smoking, with the majority (62%) now using these avours most o en to quit smoking, up from 34% in December 2024. e research, carried out by Opinium, found that 63% of all Scottish vapers surveyed use fruit and sweet avours at least once a week and that 63% of vapers believe that having access to a range of di erent avours helps them reduce their smoking or stop them from going back to tobacco products.

Eve Peters, Director of Government A airs for El ar in the UK, says: “Fruit and other sweet vape avours play an increasingly critical role in helping adult smokers quit for good. As such, it is essential that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill takes an evidence-based approach to avours, ensuring smokers can continue to access the vaping products and avours they need.” e Bill is now passing through the nal stages of the UK Parliament.

IT’S THE MINT.

It’s the fresh feeling. Now available in 5 packs!

18+ ONLY. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT RISK-FREE AND CONTAINS NICOTINE, AN ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCE. FOR ADULT NICOTINE CONSUMERS ONLY.

A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

Offering healthier, convenient options for weekdays and indulgent delights for the weekend will help retailers win the breakfast occasion.

BY SARAH BRITTON

Breakfast occasions rose by 56 million in the year to 23 March 2025, with total breakfast standing at 20.24 billion [Kantar Usage].

“ e opportunity is clear, but the way people approach breakfast is shi ing,” says Lorraine Rothwell – Head of Marketing for Weetabix. “It’s no longer just about routine; it’s about health, enjoyment, and increasingly, cultural relevance.” She claims that Weetabix

Original continues to lead the way as the UK’s number one branded cereal, while the January 2025 launch, Weetabix Crispy Minis Caramelised Biscuit, is already worth more than £1m.

e growing prevalence of hybrid creep, whereby employees gradually reduce homeworking in favour of days in the o ce, means more people are opting for quick and easy breakfasts during the week.

“Breakfast consumption is becoming more occasion-led, shaped by evolving lifestyles and hybrid working,” says Rachel Wells, Commercial Director at St Pierre Groupe. She notes that weekday mornings prioritise speed and convenience.

portable and easy-to-eat breakfast options is growing, driven by busy lifestyles and the rising demand for on-the-go consumption.

BETTER-FOR-YOU CHOICES

In Weetabix’s 2025 e Great British Breakfast Survey, ‘health and nutrition’ was the most common answer, given by 35% of respondents when asked what motivated consumers’ breakfast choice. is was closely followed by ‘convenience and quick to prepare’ (34%) and ‘taste and enjoyment’ (34%). When asked what they would do di erently if they could change their breakfast routine, Scotland was the most likely region (27%) to embrace healthy breakfast trends as a change of routine.

Mondelez’s Belvita brand ticks multiple boxes, o ering zero preparation, high bre content and ve wholegrains to boost satiety.

e rm believes that demand for more

“Health-led choices continue to shape the breakfast occasion, with consumers increasingly looking for options that support wellbeing without compromising on taste or satisfaction,” comments Josh Corrigan,

FLAVOUR VARIETY

Mackays has observed increased demand for more adventurous jam flavours. “While strawberry and raspberry remain the dominant jam varieties, there is real growth in interest around more distinctive Mackays flavours like our Rhubarb & Ginger, Mixed Berry and Seedless Bramble jam, particularly among younger and more affluent shoppers,” says Grant.

Customer Development Director, UK at St Pierre Groupe.

“Marmalade is also seeing renewed interest among younger adults,” he adds.

“ is shi is driving growing demand for ryebased bakery, which is increasingly recognised for its nutritional bene ts and versatility at breakfast. Products such as Baker Street’s Seeded Rye and Rye & Wheat loaves naturally contain more bre than standard white and brown loaves, making them a popular choice for consumers looking to feel fuller for longer and maintain energy throughout the morning.”

e rye category is growing rapidly in convenience, up 17% in value and 12% in volume, with Baker Street leading that growth, delivering 52% value growth and 56% volume growth.

Health may be a key driver, but it is de nitely not the only factor at play during the breakfast occasion. “Health has a role to play, but I’d say it’s a balance between taste, quality, and value, and that holds particularly true at breakfast,” says Mackays Managing Director, Martin Grant. “When we ask jam and marmalade shoppers what drives their purchasing decisions, sugar

content ranks low: only around 14% of shoppers in both Scotland and the rest of the UK cite low sugar as an important factor, and nearly two-thirds say they either don’t consider sugar content or simply accept that preserves are naturally sweet.”

TREAT TIME

When it comes to the weekend, shoppers are very much open to a spot of indulgence, notes Ornua Foods UK & Europe, which owns the Kerrygold brand.

“ ere appears to be a strong and growing ‘weekend treat’ mentality among consumers, with 53% of adults believing weekend breakfast time should be more indulgent than midweek [Mintel 2025],” says Marketing Director Nicola Blackmore-Squires.

“Kerrygold’s renowned quality, unrivalled avour and creamy texture makes any breakfast occasion a real event, especially the big weekend ones, with over 31% of our usage occasions taking place at the weekend [WPO data to 28 December 2025].”

“There appears to be a strong and growing ‘weekend treat’ mentality among consumers, with 53% of adults believing weekend breakfast time should be more indulgent than midweek.”

NICOLA BLACKMORE-SQUIRES, MARKETING DIRECTOR, ORNUA FOODS

SPREADING THE LOVE

Kerrygold Spreadable, launched last year, is proving to be a key driver in bringing new people into the brand, as consumers seek to experience the taste of Kerrygold with convenient ‘spreadability’ straight from the fridge. In fact, Kerrygold buyers increased by over 27% in the 52 weeks to 25 January 2026 [Worldpanel by Numerator, data to 25 January 2026].

New for 2026 is Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter with Olive Oil. Made with just four ingredients, the latest addition to the range blends rich Irish butter together with olive oil, making for a smooth, creamy flavour that spreads straight from the fridge.

Marketing Director of Ornua Foods UK & Europe, Nicola Blackmore-Squires, says:

“Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter with Olive Oil is made with just four simple ingredients: 60% pure Irish butter made from the milk of Irish grass-fed cows; 26% olive oil; water and a pinch of salt.” She claims that it offers convenience, taste and a clean ingredients list.

e rst mealtime of the day represents the largest occasion for the use of butters and spreads [Kantar Usage Occasions 52 w/e 28 December 2025]. Kerrygold claims that just under half of its usage occasions are associated with breakfast [WPO data to 28 December 2025].

Blackmore-Squires adds: “ e Scottish love a air with pure, natural butter seems to be going from strength to strength with retail block butter sales across the country increasing in volume terms by 7.3% and in value by 17.5% over the last 12 months [Circana, IRI All Outlets Scotland, 52 w/e 21 February 2026].

Indeed, in Scottish retail outlets, the brand has seen a 7.2% increase in volume sales over the last year alone [ibid].

Blackmore-Squires claims that the breakfast food line-up is expanding beyond toast and into

more indulgent products. “Morning goods are growing in popularity, with butter increasingly accompanying croissants, wa es and pancakes.”

Wells claims that there is “a clear opportunity” for retailers to trade shoppers up with premium bakery options, such as St Pierre’s brioche range or larger-format croissants, which o er a more indulgent, sit-down breakfast or brunch occasion. “Increasingly, the most successful products are those that can bridge both missions, o ering convenience during the week while also delivering on quality and versatility for more relaxed, at-home breakfasts,” she says.

She highlights that continental bakery is a standout performer, with croissants and other morning goods leading growth as shoppers increasingly look to elevate their breakfast. “Retailers can maximise sales by focusing on

these proven, high-performing segments and brands, ensuring core lines such as brioche buns, croissants and morning goods are well stocked and easy to shop,” advises Wells.

Mackays advises merchandising breakfast products together. “For local retailers, we’d suggest thinking about breakfast as a broader zone rather than a narrow xture,” says Grant. “For instance, consider ranging jam alongside breakfast cereals and hot drinks, not just in a standalone preserves section.”

He highlights that Scottish breakfast products are even more likely to hit the mark. “In Scotland in particular, there is strong emotional attachment to local provenance,” says Grant.

“For local retailers in Scotland, stocking Scottish brands is not just a feel-good choice, it is a commercially smart one.”

RIVETING STUFF KITKAT KAPER

Hamilton has a lot going for it: the Mausoleum holds the record for the longest echo within any man-made structure in the world; it’s where Under The Counter’s beloved Hamilton Academicals come from; and it even has a smash-hit musical named after it.

More importantly, it’s where Pietro Equi churned up in 1915 from Tuscany to found the legendary ice cream business that still bears his name.

In the days before Accies moved to Cumbernauld, UTC lost count of the times he consoled himself in Equi’s Café with two scoops of raspberry ripple after yet another Douglas Park drubbing.

Much like the Auld Boy’s waistline, Equi’s has expanded considerably over the last century and now graces freezers nationwide. In fact, it has just launched four flavours in 67 Tesco stores across Scotland.

To mark this momentous listing, Equi’s owner David Equi rocked up outside a Tesco

branch with his daughter Alex for a quick PR stunt.

Now, UTC is a great believer in suffering for his art – Mrs UTC made him sit through the whole of the Hamilton musical – but he was aghast when he saw the resulting picture.

The Auld Boy dislikes his children as much as the next man, but even he couldn’t believe David Equi managed to convince his daughter to fold herself into a shopping trolley then consent to be covered with tubs of ice cream.

UTC hates the cold, you see. Cover him with ice cream and his raspberry ripples would be like rivets.

BRITISH GLUMMER TIME

We’re now well into British Summer Time but the Auld Boy is still reeling from losing an hour in his scratcher, listening to Mrs UTC snoring. And he’s not alone. Research from Rowntree’s has found the clocks springing forward leave a third of people feeling tired and a fifth annoyed. Pity those poor souls who feel both tired and annoyed, for they are peering through a window into the everyday life of the Auld Boy. Just don a bunnet, stand at a bus stop and smoke a roll-up for the full experience.

The survey of 2,000 punters also revealed that almost half agree they don’t have enough

Under The Counter was shocked to discover some light-fingered Luigis have looted a lorry loaded with precisely 413,793 units of Nestlé’s new Formula One-themed KitKat bars.

The bold biscuit bandits posed as the polis in what proved to be a chocolate-based version of The Italian Job – forcing the truck into making an unscheduled pit stop after it left a distribution hub near Turin. The driver was later found unharmed, but 12 tonnes of miniature chocolate racing cars remain firmly off-grid.

A fan of the Godfather movies (the first two, at any rate), UTC was quick to point an accusatory non-chocolate-coated finger at the mafia, for no good reason other than the location.

After resisting the temptation to crack a gag about thieves “taking a break” with its chocolate for roughly seven milliseconds, Nestlé warned that the KitKat cars could be veering towards the black market.

With that in mind, it has launched a “Stolen KitKat Tracker” tool where people can enter an eight-digit batch number to check whether their bar is part of the haul. UTC suggests retailers make full use of it – especially if gents in pinstriped suits and fedoras accost them in Costco car park with a confectionery offer they can’t refuse.

Of course, it’s entirely possible that the thieves, like in any good heist movie, plan to render their ill-gotten gains untraceable by melting the bars down. Although disposing of all that leftover wafer sounds problematic.

hours in the day. UTC respectfully suggests these folk take the next 38C to Venus, where they’ll have a whopping 5,832 hours in the day to moan about how time-starved they are.

It turns out that all this whingeing and running-aboutery means three-quarters of people need a pick-me-up at least a few times a week. So says Rowntree’s, anyway.

It’s at this point anyone familiar with market research conducted by brands will realise Rowntree’s is suggesting one of its ice lollies here, and not a “pick-me-up” in the Wolf of Wall Street sense. More’s the pity.

To that end, the brand

has somewhat grandiosely declared ‘British Lolly Time’, in a bid to shift some of its new Fruit Explosion and Fruit Pastilles Berries lollies. Under The Counter bought one of each, swiftly jammed them into his lugs and went back to bed.

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